Systems which determine operating parameters for germicidal devices

ABSTRACT

Systems are disclosed which include processor-executable program instructions for receiving data regarding characteristics of an area or a room and determining, based on the received data, operating parameter/s for one or more disinfection sources to disinfect the area/room. The data may include data regarding non-physical characteristics and/or physical characteristics of the area/room. In some embodiments, data regarding a quantity and/or type of at least a subset of the plurality of disinfection sources for disinfecting the room may also be considered for determining the operating parameter/s. In addition or alternatively, the data may be in relation to multiple disinfection sources in the area/room. In any case, a system is also disclosed which facilities power redirection among multiple disinfection sources upon detecting a given area has received a predetermined dose of ultraviolet light.

CONTINUING DATA

The present application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/653,035 filed Jul. 18, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/706,926 filed Dec. 6, 2012, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,744,255, which is a continuation-in-part from pendingInternational Application No. PCT/US2012/041483 filed Jun. 8, 2012,which designates the United States and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 13/156,131 filed Jun. 8, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.9,165,756.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to germicidal devices and, morespecifically, systems which determine operating parameters anddisinfection schedules for germicidal devices and further germicidallamp apparatuses including lens systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

The following descriptions and examples are not admitted to be prior artby virtue of their inclusion within this section.

In general, germicidal systems are designed to subject one or moresurfaces and/or objects to a germicide to deactivate or killmicroorganisms residing upon the surface/s and/or object/s. Applicationsof germicidal systems include but are not limited to sterilization,object disinfection, and room/area decontamination. Examples ofsterilizing systems are those used for sterilizing surgical tools, foodor pharmaceutical packaging. Examples of area/room decontaminationssystems are those used in hospital rooms to disinfect the surfaces andobjects therein and those used in agricultural operations, such as thosewhich are used to breed and/or farm animals. Area/room disinfection isbecoming increasingly important as pathogenic microorganisms have beenshown to be present in environments and cause infections. This isespecially important as antimicrobial resistant organisms are morecommonly found in environments and are becoming increasingly difficultto treat.

A challenge with conventional room/area decontaminations systems isgetting a germicidal agent distributed in an efficient manner to allsurfaces which need to be disinfected. In particular, many conventionalroom/area decontamination systems are limited in the number ofdisinfection sources they include due to cost and size restraints. Inaddition, the directionality of a germicidal agent in conventionalroom/area decontamination systems is often fixed. As a result,conventional systems often are configured to deliver a high dose of agermicidal agent such that a high number of surfaces within a room orarea may be disinfected at the same time. A problem with a high doseblanket distribution of a germicidal agent is that some portions of aroom or area may be overexposed, which effectively is a waste of thegermicidal agent and potentially a waste of time and/or energy toperform a disinfection process. Furthermore, in some cases, portions ofa room/area may not receive enough of a germicidal agent when thegermicidal agent is blanket distributed throughout a room, particularlysurfaces which are a relatively far distance from a disinfection sourceand/or which are not in direct line with a disinfection source.Underexposure of a germicidal agent can leave a surface or object withan undesirably high number of pathogenic microorganisms, leaving personsin subsequent contact with the surfaces highly susceptible to infection.

A further problem with conventional room/area decontamination systems isa lack of consideration and precedence of objects and surfaces in a roomin performing a disinfection process. As a consequence, if adisinfection process for a room/area is terminated before its allottedtime, there is potential that objects and/or surfaces within the roomwhich are likely to be highly contaminated will not have been adequatelydisinfected. In particular, a disinfection source of room/areadecontamination system is often positioned or installed near a centralpoint in a room (rather than near one or more particular objects) suchthat germicidal exposure from the source to peripheries of the room/areais substantially uniform throughout the room/area. Similarly, in casesin which a system includes multiple disinfection devices, the devicesare often distributed uniformly throughout the room rather than near oneor more particular objects in an effort to disinfect the entire room ina given disinfection process.

In some embodiments, a disinfection source of a room/areadecontamination system may be positioned near an object or surface, suchas a bed in a hospital room, but positioning a disinfection source neara particular object does not address disinfection needs of other objectsor surfaces within a room/area considered likely to be highlycontaminated, such as a door handle or a light switch in a room.Furthermore, when a disinfection source is fixedly installed in aparticular position within a room, the effect of its location to aparticular object is rendered moot if the object is moved. In cases inwhich a decontamination system includes disinfection source/s which arefreely positionable within a room, the task of positioning thedisinfection source/s is generally manual and, thus, is labor intensiveand prone to placement error. Moreover, neither of these latterconfigurations involve analyzing the characteristics of the room (e.g.,size, areal configuration and/or relative placement of objects therein)for placement of disinfection sources therein.

A number of different methods exist for disinfecting surfaces andobjects, ranging from chemical methods, such as bleach, to advancedmethods, such as ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. In particular, it isknown that UV irradiation in the spectrum between approximately 200 nmand approximately 320 nm is effective in deactivating and, in somecases, killing microorganisms, giving reason to the use of ultravioletlight technology for disinfecting and/or sterilizing items. Some UVdisinfection devices utilize a discharge lamp to generate ultravioletlight. In addition to being used for disinfection and sterilizationapplications, discharge lamps are used in a variety of applications togenerate ultraviolet (UV) light, such as for example polymer curing. Ingeneral, discharge lamps refer to lamps which generate light by means ofan internal electrical discharge between electrodes in a gas. Theelectrical discharge creates a plasma which supplies radiant light. Insome instances, such as in mercury-vapor lamps, the light generated iscontinuous once the lamp is triggered. Other configurations of dischargelamps, which are often referred to as flashtubes or flashlamps, generatelight for very short durations. Such discharge lamps are sometimes usedto supply recurrent pulses of light and, thus, are sometimes referred toas pulsed light sources. A commonly used flashlamp is a xenon flashtube.

Although different types of discharge lamps have been investigated toprovide UV light for different applications, little has been done toimprove the efficiency of the ultraviolet light generated in apparatuseshaving discharge lamps, particularly with respect to the propagation ofthe ultraviolet light (i.e., distance and angle of incidence on a targetobject), the intensity of the ultraviolet light, and the duration ofexposure of the ultraviolet light. A reason for such a lack ofadvancement is that many apparatuses having discharge lamps, such asfood sterilization and single object disinfection devices, areconfigured to treat items placed in close proximity and in directalignment with the lamp and, thus, little or no improvement inefficiency of the UV light may be realized by altering its propagation.Furthermore, many conventional single object disinfection devicesutilizing flashlamps employ less than 10 pulses of the lamp and operatefor less than 5 seconds and, thus, there has been little need toincrease the efficiency of such pulses. Moreover, room/areadecontamination systems are specifically designed to disperse light overa vast area and, thus, altering UV propagation from a system may hindersuch an objective.

In addition, many apparatuses with discharge lamps are limited inapplication and versatility. For instance, many food sterilization andsingle object disinfection devices are self-contained apparatuses andare configured for treatment of specific items and, thus, do notgenerally include features which improve the versatility of the systemsfor treatment for other items or use in other applications. Furthermore,some apparatuses require time consuming and/or cumbersome provisions inorder to protect a user from harm. For example, pulsed ultraviolet lighttechnology generally utilizes xenon flashlamps which generate pulses ofa broad spectrum of light from deep ultraviolet to infrared, includingvery bright and intense visible light. Exposure of the visible light andthe ultraviolet light may be harmful and, thus, provisions such ascontaining the pulsed light within the confines of the apparatus orshielding windows of a room in which a room decontamination unit is usedmay be needed.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to develop ultraviolet dischargelamp apparatuses having features which improve their utilization,including but not limited to features which improve the efficiency ofthe ultraviolet light generated, increase the versatility of theapparatuses, and reduce and/or eliminate time consuming and cumbersomeprovisions that are required by conventional systems. In addition, itwould be beneficial to develop room/area decontamination systems whichare more effective and more efficient than conventional room/areadecontamination systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following description of various embodiments of systems is not to beconstrued in any way as limiting the subject matter of the appendedclaims.

Embodiments of systems include multiple disinfection sources each havinga set of one or more sensors for detecting physical characteristics ofan ambient exterior to its respective disinfection source. The systemsfurther include a processing subsystem with processor-executable programinstructions for receiving data from the sets of one or more sensorsregarding physical characteristics of areas in a room in relation toeach of the multiple disinfection sources and, based on the receiveddata, determining one or more individual operating parameters for themultiple disinfection sources.

Other embodiments of systems include multiple ultraviolet lightdisinfection sources, one or more ultraviolet light dose sensors and aprocessing subsystem comprising processor-executable programinstructions for receiving and tallying ultraviolet light dosemeasurements from at least one of the one or more ultraviolet light dosesensors that is associated with one of the multiple ultraviolet lightdisinfection sources. In addition, the processing subsystem includesprogram instructions for shutting off power to the one ultraviolet lightdisinfection source and redirecting the power to another of the multipleultraviolet light disinfection sources upon determining the talliedultraviolet light dose measurements meet or exceed a predetermined doseof ultraviolet light determined for the one ultraviolet lightdisinfection source.

Other embodiments of systems include multiple disinfection sources and aprocessing subsystem having processor-executable program instructionsfor receiving data regarding characteristics of an area or a room andreceiving data regarding a quantity and/or type of one or moredisinfection source of the multiple disinfection sources fordisinfecting the area or room. In addition, the program instructions arefor determining, based on the area/room characteristic data and the dataregarding the quantity and/or type of the one or more disinfectionsources, one or more operating parameters for at least one disinfectionsource of the one or more disinfection sources to disinfect the area orroom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an ultravioletdischarge lamp apparatus having a horizontally positioned dischargelamp;

FIG. 2a depicts an alternative configuration for accommodating anoptical filter in the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus depicted inFIG. 1;

FIG. 2b depicts another alternative configuration for accommodating anoptical filter in the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus depicted inFIG. 1;

FIG. 2c depicts yet another alternative configuration for accommodatingan optical filter in the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus depictedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an alternative configuration of the ultraviolet dischargelamp apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 having a discharge lamp arrangedexterior to a support structure of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 an isometric drawing of an ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatushaving a vertically positioned discharge lamp;

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative configuration of a discharge lamp assemblyfor the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts an alternative configuration of an optical filter for theultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 depicts another alternative configuration of an optical filterfor the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of a variation of the ultravioletdischarge lamp apparatus depicted in FIG. 4 along axis AA, including alens system adjacent to the optical filter;

FIG. 9 depicts a system including multiple ultraviolet discharge lampapparatuses;

FIG. 10 depicts a system including one or more disinfection sources anda processing subsystem having processor-executable program instructionsfor determining operating parameters and disinfection schedules for oneor more disinfection sources;

FIG. 11 depicts a flowchart outlining a method for which theprocessor-executable program instructions of the system depicted in FIG.10 may be configured to perform;

FIG. 12 depicts a flowchart outlining another method for which theprocessor-executable program instructions of the system depicted in FIG.10 may be configured to perform;

FIG. 13 depicts a graph of a xenon pulse profile having a tail portiondescending from initial intensity level; and

FIG. 14 depicts a graph a xenon pulse profile having same initialintensity level as the pulse profile depicted in FIG. 13 without a tailportion.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that the drawings and detaileddescription thereto are not intended to limit the invention to theparticular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of discharge lampapparatuses are provided. More specifically, exemplary configurations ofapparatuses are shown in FIGS. 1-3 having a discharge lamp arrangedlengthwise parallel to a plane of the apparatus at which the lamp issupported (hereinafter referred to as a “horizontally positioned lamp”).In addition, exemplary configurations of apparatuses are shown in FIGS.4-8 having a discharge lamp arranged lengthwise perpendicular to a planeof the apparatus at which the lamp is supported (hereinafter referred toas a “vertically positioned lamp”). In addition, a system having twodischarge lamp apparatuses is shown in FIG. 9. As will be set forth inmore detail below, the apparatuses and features described herein are notlimited to the depictions in the drawings, including that the dischargelamps are not restricted to “horizontal” and “vertical” positions.Furthermore, it is noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn toscale in that particular features may be drawn to a larger scale thanother features to emphasize their characteristics.

Each of the apparatuses described in reference to FIGS. 1-9 includes adischarge lamp configured to generate ultraviolet light and, thus, theapparatuses described in reference to FIGS. 1-9 are sometimes referredto as “ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses.” In some embodiments, thedischarge lamp of an apparatus may be further configured to generateother ranges of light, but such configurations will not deter from thereference of the apparatuses described herein as “ultraviolet dischargelamp apparatuses.” In any case, the apparatuses described in referenceto FIGS. 1-9 are absent of optics for producing a laser from lightemitted from a discharge lamp and, accordingly, may be referred toherein as non-laser apparatuses in some embodiments. Alternativelystated, the apparatuses described in reference to FIGS. 1-9 areconfigured to propagate light emitted from the discharge lamp in anon-laser fashion. As set forth in more detail below, the apparatusesdescribed in reference to FIGS. 1-9 are configured to expose areas androoms as well as objects as a whole to ultraviolet light and, thus, arespecifically configured to distribute light in a spacious manner ratherthan producing a narrow beam of limited diffraction as generated bylasers.

The term discharge lamp as used herein refers to a lamp that generateslight by means of an internal electrical discharge between electrodes ina gas. The term encompasses gas-discharge lamps, which generate light bysending an electrical discharge through an ionized gas (i.e., a plasma).The term also encompasses surface-discharge lamps, which generate lightby sending an electrical discharge along a surface of a dielectricsubstrate in the presence of a gas, producing a plasma along thesubstrate's surface. As such, the discharge lamps which may beconsidered for the apparatuses described herein include gas-dischargelamps as well as surface-discharge lamps. Discharge lamps may be furthercharacterized by the type of gas/es employed and the pressure at whichthey are operated. The discharge lamps which may be considered for theapparatuses described herein may include those of low pressure, mediumpressure and high intensity. In addition, the gas/es employed mayinclude helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen,water vapor, carbon dioxide, mercury vapor, sodium vapor and anycombination thereof. Furthermore, the discharge lamps considered for theapparatuses described herein may be of any size and shape, depending onthe design specifications of the apparatuses. Moreover, the dischargelamps considered for the apparatuses described herein may include thosewhich generate continuous light and those which generate light in shortdurations, the latter of which are referred to herein as flashtubes orflashlamps. Flashtubes or flashlamps that are used to supply recurrentpulses of light are referred to herein as pulsed light sources.

A commonly used gas-discharge lamp used to produce continuous light is amercury-vapor lamp, which may be considered for some of the apparatusesdescribed herein. It emits a strong peak of light at 253.7 nm, which isconsidered particularly applicable for germicidal disinfection and,thus, is commonly referenced for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation(UVGI). A commonly used flashlamp which may be considered for theapparatuses described herein is a xenon flashtube. In contrast to amercury-vapor lamp, a xenon flashtube generates a broad spectrum oflight from ultraviolet to infrared and, thus, provides ultraviolet lightin the entire spectrum known to the germicidal (i.e., betweenapproximately 200 nm and approximately 320 nm). In addition, a xenonflashtube can provide relatively sufficient intensity in the spectrumwhich is known to be optimally germicidal (i.e., between approximately260 nm and approximately 265 nm). Moreover, a xenon flashtube generatesan extreme amount of heat, which can further contribute to thedeactivation and killing of microorganisms.

Although they are not readily available on the commercial market todate, a surface-discharge lamp may be considered for some of theapparatuses described herein as noted above. Similar to a xenonflashtube, a surface-discharge lamp produces ultraviolet light in theentire spectrum known to the germicidal (i.e., between approximately 200nm and approximately 320 nm). In contrast, however, surface-dischargelamps operate at higher energy levels per pulse and, thus, greater UVefficiency, as well as offer longer lamp life as compared to xenonflashtubes. It is noted that the aforementioned descriptions andcomparisons of a mercury-vapor lamp, a xenon flashlamp, and a surfacedischarge lamp in no way restrict the apparatuses described herein toinclude such lamps. Rather, the aforementioned descriptions andcomparisons are merely provided to offer factors which one skilled inthe art may contemplate when selecting a discharge lamp for anultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus, particularly depending on theobjective and application of the apparatus.

Although FIGS. 1-9 are specifically directed to ultraviolet dischargelamp apparatuses, it is noted that some of the components andconfigurations described for such apparatuses may be suitable for othertypes of germicidal lamp apparatuses, such as an apparatus including ahigh-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) lamp. In particular, the reflectorsystems described in reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 7 or variationsthereof may be employed within other types of germicidal lampapparatuses. In addition, the converging lens systems described inreference to FIG. 8 and variations thereof as well as the diverging lenssystems described thereafter may be employed within other types ofgermicidal lamp apparatuses. Employing a reflector system and/or a lenssystem in other types of germicidal lamp apparatuses may generallydepend on the size, shape, configuration and placement of the germicidallamp and, thus, may vary significantly among systems. Furthermore, thesystem described in reference to FIG. 9 having a plurality ofultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses may be applicable for a systemincluding multiplicity of any type of germicidal lamp apparatuses.

As noted above, the apparatuses described in reference to FIGS. 1-9 areconfigured to distribute ultraviolet light in a spacious manner suchthat objects as whole and/or areas/rooms may be treated. In other words,the apparatuses described in reference to FIGS. 1-9 are not configuredto produce a narrow beam of light for a specific small target as may beused for laser applications. Given their configuration to distributeultraviolet light in a spacious manner, the apparatuses described inreference to FIGS. 1-9 may be particularly applicable for disinfecting,decontaminating and/or sterilizing objects as a whole as well as areasand/or rooms. For example, the apparatuses described in reference toFIGS. 1-9 may be used for disinfecting hospital rooms or may be used inagricultural operations, including those which are used to breed and/orfarm animals. In addition or alternatively, the apparatuses described inreference to FIGS. 1-9 may be used for reducing microorganism growth onplants or sterilizing objects, such as surgical tools, food orpharmaceutical packaging. Other applications for the apparatusesdescribed in reference to FIGS. 1-9 which involve spacious exposure toultraviolet light may be polymer curing and medical procedures.

In some cases, the apparatuses described herein may be particularlydirected to room disinfection. More specifically and as set forth inmore detail below, some of the features presented for the apparatusesdescribed in reference to FIGS. 1-9 (particularly the inclusion of anoptical filter, the inclusion of a reflector system and/or a lens systemto redirect ultraviolet light propagating from a support structure ofthe apparatus, the adaptation to move throughout a room duringoperation, and/or systems including multiple discharge lamp apparatuses)may be especially suitable for room disinfection apparatuses. For thisreason, many of the apparatuses described in reference to FIGS. 1-9 aredirected to room disinfection apparatuses. Furthermore, for reasons setforth below, many of the apparatuses described in reference to FIGS. 1-9are specifically directed to floor based freestanding portable roomdisinfection apparatuses. The features described with regard to theapparatuses disclosed in reference to FIGS. 1-9, however, are notnecessarily limited to room disinfection apparatuses or configurationsto be floor-based, portable or freestanding. Rather, the featuresdescribed in reference to FIGS. 1-9 may be applied in any type ofultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus. As used herein, the term roomdisinfection refers to the cleansing of a bounded area which is suitablefor human occupancy so as to deactivate, destroy or prevent the growthof disease-carrying microorganisms in the area.

The room disinfection apparatuses described herein may come in a varietyof configurations, including those which are floor based, wall based andceiling based. However, although room disinfection apparatuses may bedisposed within the ceiling of a room or within or against a wall, inmany cases it is advantageous to position an ultraviolet roomdisinfection apparatus away from such structures. In particular, one ofthe primary factors affecting UV light intensity (and thus thedisinfection efficiency of UV) on an object is distance to the objectand, thus, in many cases it is advantageous to position an ultravioletroom disinfection apparatus near the center of a room or near objectssuspected to be contaminated to minimize distances to objects. Moreover,in environments in which a room disinfection apparatus may be used inseveral rooms of a building (such as in a hospital), it is generallybeneficial for the apparatus to be portable. For these reasons, many ofthe apparatuses described herein and depicted in the drawings aredirected to freestanding, portable and floor-based room disinfectionapparatuses.

In general, the apparatuses described in reference to FIGS. 1-9 may beconfigured to distribute light substantially unidirectionally ormulti-directionally. As used herein, the phrase “configured todistribute light substantially unidirectionally” may refer to aconfiguration of an apparatus to propagate a majority of light emittedfrom a discharge lamp in a single direction with auxiliary lightpropagated at angles of less than 30 degrees from such a direction. Allother distributions of light may be referenced for the phrase“configured to distribute light multi-directionally.” Room disinfectionapparatuses configured to distribute light substantiallyunidirectionally may be those disposed within a wall or a ceiling and/orwhich have a discharge lamp nested within the confines of the apparatuswithout an auxiliary optical component system to redirect lightpropagating away from the apparatus. In contrast, room disinfectionapparatuses configured to distribute light multi-directionally may bethose which have a discharge lamp extending out from a structure atwhich the discharge lamp is supported and/or which have an auxiliaryoptical component system to redirect light propagating away from theapparatus.

Given that a room generally includes objects of different sizes andshapes located at varying heights and distances from a given point inthe room (giving rise to the number and varying location surfaces to bedisinfected), it is sometimes advantageous for an ultraviolet apparatusused for room disinfection to be configured to distribute ultravioletlight in many directions (i.e., multi-directionally). Moreover, as notedabove, it is sometimes advantageous to position an ultraviolet roomdisinfection apparatus away from room walls to reduce distances to thevariety of objects in the room and effectively increase the disinfectionefficiency of the UV light emitted from the apparatus. Further to suchideas, it is sometimes effective for an ultraviolet room disinfectionapparatus to be configured such that at least some ultraviolet lightgenerated by a discharge lamp is propagated to a region which encirclesan exterior surface of the apparatus and further such that theultraviolet light propagated to the encircling region during anoperation of the apparatus collectively occupies the entirety of theencircling region. Such a configuration provides distinction fromultraviolet room disinfection apparatuses disposed in ceilings or wallsand is described in more detail below in reference to some of theapparatuses depicted in the drawings.

Turning to FIG. 1, an exemplary configuration of an ultravioletdischarge lamp apparatus having a horizontally positioned lamp isprovided. In particular, apparatus 20 is shown having discharge lamp 22disposed within support structure 24 and specifically arrangedlengthwise parallel to a plane of apparatus 20 at which discharge lamp22 is supported (i.e., arranged parallel to an upper surface of supportstructure 24). As noted above and as will be set forth in more detailbelow, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein arenot restricted to embodiments in which a discharge lamp is arranged in a“horizontal position.” Rather, the ultraviolet discharge lampapparatuses described herein may include discharge lamps arranged at anyangle relative to the surface plane of the support structure at whichthe discharge lamp is supported. Furthermore, the ultraviolet dischargelamp apparatuses described herein are not limited to embodiments inwhich a discharge lamp is arranged in proximity to an upper surface ofan apparatus. In particular, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatusesdescribed herein may have discharge lamps arranged in proximity to anyexterior surface of an apparatus, including sidewalls and bottomsurfaces.

Horizontally positioned and vertically positioned lamps arranged inproximity to upper surfaces of support structures are discussed hereinin particularity since these were the configurations used to refine someof the novel features of the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatusesdisclosed herein. However, such disclosure should not be construed tonecessarily limit the arrangement of discharge lamps in the ultravioletdischarge lamp apparatuses described herein. It is further noted thatthe ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein are notrestricted to embodiments in which a discharge lamp is nested within theconfines of a support structure as depicted in FIG. 1. Rather,ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses may alternatively have adischarge lamp which is arranged at least partially exterior to asupport structure, such as described for the exemplary embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 3-8.

In addition to discharge lamp 22, apparatus 20 includes power circuit 26and trigger circuit 30 disposed within support structure 24 as well ascircuitry connecting the power circuit and trigger circuit to dischargelamp 22 as shown in FIG. 1. In general, power circuit 26, triggercircuit 30 and the connecting circuitry are configured to operatedischarge lamp 22 (i.e., to send an electrical discharge to the lamp tocreate a radiating plasma therein). In particular, trigger circuit 30 isused to apply a voltage trigger voltage to an ignition electrode ofdischarge lamp 22, which may be wrapped around the lamp or may be theanode or cathode of the lamp, and power circuit 26 (e.g., a capacitor)is used to apply an electrical potential between the cathode and anodeof the lamp. Trigger circuit 30 may, in some cases, be referred toherein as a pulse generator circuit, particularly when the dischargelamp apparatus includes a flash tube. The trigger voltage ionizes thegas inside the lamp, which increases the conductivity of the gas toallow an arc to form between the cathode and anode.

As noted above, in some cases, discharge lamp 22 may be a continuouslight lamp, such as a mercury vapor lamp. In such embodiments, triggercircuit 30 may generally generate a signal of less than 1000 volts and,thus, may not be considered high voltage. (The term “high voltage” asused herein refers to voltages greater than 1000 volts.) In otherembodiments, discharge lamp 22 may be a flash tube. Flash tubes requireignitions at higher voltages, generally between 2000 volts to 150,000volts. An example of a voltage range of a trigger circuit for xenon bulbmay be between about 20 kV and 30 kV. In comparison, an exemplaryvoltage range for a power storage circuit for a xenon bulb may bebetween approximately 1 kV and approximately 10 kV. In any case,apparatus 20 may include additional circuitry to provide power to otherfeatures in the apparatus, including but not limited to centralprocessing unit (CPU) 32, user interface 34 and room occupancy sensor 36as shown in FIG. 1.

Although it is not necessary, one or more operations of apparatus 20 maybe computer operated and, thus, apparatus 20 may, in some embodiments,include CPU 32 to carry out applicable program instructions. Inaddition, apparatus 20 may optionally include user interface 34 to offera means for a user to activate operation, and possibly particularoperation modes, of apparatus 20 as well as offer a means for a user toaccess data collected from the apparatus. In some cases, user interface34 may alternatively be a distinct device from apparatus 20 butconfigured for wired or wireless communication for apparatus 20. In thismanner, apparatus 20 may be controlled remotely. Room occupancy sensor36 is an optional safety mechanism, which may generally be configured todetermine whether people are present in the room, such as by motiondetection or photo recognition. Other optional features shown inapparatus 20 include wheels 38 and handle 39 to affect portability forthe apparatus, but may be omitted depending on the design specificationsof the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, apparatus 20 may include optical filter 40, coolingsystem 44 and reflector system 60. As will be set forth in more detailbelow, the configuration of optical filters, cooling systems, lenssystems and reflector systems as well as the placement of dischargelamps may vary among the ultraviolet light apparatuses described herein.In fact, alternative embodiments for one or more of such features aredescribed in reference to FIGS. 2-8 relative to the configurations shownand described in reference to FIG. 1. Each of such embodiments include asupport structure and accompanying components as described for FIG. 1,specifically in reference to support structure 22, power circuit 26,trigger circuit 30, CPU 32, user interface 34, room occupancy sensor 36,wheels 38 and handle 39. Such features, however, have not been depictedin FIGS. 2-8 for simplicity purposes as well as to emphasize thediffering configurations of the depicted optical filters and reflectorsystems as well as the placement of discharge lamps.

As noted above, each of the apparatuses described in reference to FIGS.1-9 includes a discharge lamp configured to generate ultraviolet light.In some embodiments, a discharge lamp of an apparatus may be furtherconfigured to generate other ranges of light, such as but not limited tovisible light. In some of such cases, it may be advantageous toattenuate the visible light, particularly if (but not necessarily solimited) the generated visible light is very bright and/or distracting.For instance, xenon flashlamps generate pulses of a broad spectrum oflight similar to the spectrum of sunlight, but the intensity of thevisible light is up to 20,000 times higher than that of sunlight. Assuch, the apparatuses described herein may, in some embodiments, includean optical filter configured to attenuate visible light. In some cases,the apparatuses described herein may include an optical filterconfigured to attenuate light in a majority portion of the visible lightspectrum, greater than 75% of the visible light spectrum, or the entirevisible light spectrum. In other embodiments, however, the opticalfilter may be configured to attenuate light in less than a majorityportion of the visible light spectrum. In any case, the optical filtermay be configured to attenuate a majority amount of light in a givenportion of the visible light spectrum and, in some cases, greater than75% or all light in a given portion of the visible light spectrum.

Since the apparatuses described in reference to FIGS. 1-9 are configuredfor ultraviolet light exposure, the optical filter must pass ultravioletlight in addition to attenuating visible light. As such, in some cases,the optical filter may be visible light band-stop filter. In otherembodiments, however, the optical filter may be an ultraviolet band-passfilter. In either case, the optical filter may be configured to pass amajority amount of light in a given portion of the ultraviolet lightspectrum and, in some embodiments, greater than 75% or all light in agiven portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum. In some cases, thegiven portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum may be a majorityportion of the ultraviolet light spectrum, greater than 75% of theultraviolet light spectrum, or the entire ultraviolet light spectrum. Inother embodiments, however, the given portion of the ultraviolet lightspectrum may be less than a majority portion of the ultraviolet lightspectrum. In some embodiments, the optical filter may be specificallyconfigured to pass light in a specific portion of the ultravioletspectrum. For example, in cases in which the apparatus is used fordisinfection, decontamination, or sterilization purposes, the opticalfilter may be configured to pass light in a majority portion, greaterthan 75%, or the entire portion of the germicidal UV spectrum (i.e.,approximately 200-320 nm). In addition or alternatively, the opticalfilter may be configured to pass light in a majority portion, greaterthan 75%, or the entire portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum knownto be optimally germicidal (i.e., approximately 260-265 nm).

An exemplary optical filter glass material which may be used as anoptical filter for the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses describedherein is Schott UG5 Glass Filter which is available from SCHOTT NorthAmerica, Inc. of Elmsford, N.Y. Schott UG5 Glass Filter attenuates amajority portion of the visible light spectrum while allowingapproximately 85% of ultraviolet light in a range of approximately 260nm to approximately 265 nm to pass. Other optical filter glass materialswith similar or differing characteristics may be used as well, dependingon the design specifications of an apparatus. In other cases, an opticalfilter considered for the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatusesdescribed herein may be a film having any of the optical characteristicsdescribed above. In such embodiments, the film may be disposed on anoptically transparent material, such as quartz. In other embodiments, anoptical filter considered for the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatusesdescribed herein may be a combination of an optical filter glassmaterial and a film disposed thereon, each of which is configured toattenuate visible light.

The term “optical filter material” as used herein refers to a materialdesigned to influence the spectral transmission of light by eitherblocking or attenuating specific wavelength spectrums. In contrast, theterm “optically transparent” as used herein refers to a material whichallows light to pass through without substantial blockage or attenuationof a specific wavelength spectrum. Quartz is a well known opticallytransparent material. The term “film” as used herein refers to a thinlayer of a substance and is inclusive to the term “coating” which refersto a layer of a substance spread over a surface. Films considered forthe optical filters described herein may be in solid or semi-solid formand, thus, are inclusive to solid substances and gels. In addition,films considered for the optical filter described herein may of liquid,semi-solid, or solid form when applied to a material, wherein the liquidand semi-solid forms may subsequently convert to solid or semi-solidform after application.

In any case, the efficiency of optical filters placed in the ultravioletdischarge lamp apparatuses described herein will decrease over time dueto solarization and, thus, the optical filters may need to beperiodically replaced. Solarization is a phenomenon pertaining to adecrease in an optical component's ability to transmit ultravioletradiation in relation to its time of exposure to UV radiation. In someembodiments, an optical filter considered for the ultraviolet dischargelamp apparatuses described herein may include a rate of solarizationthat is approximately a whole number multiple of a degradation rate ofthe discharge lamp comprising an apparatus. Alternatively stated, thedischarge lamp may have a rate of degradation that is an approximatefactor of a rate of solarization of the optical filter. The term“factor” in such a characterization of the optical filter refers to themathematical definition of the term, specifically referring to a numberthat divides another number evenly, i.e., with no remainder. The rate ofsolarization of an optical filter may be approximately any whole numbermultiple of a degradation rate of the discharge lamp including one and,thus, in some embodiments, a rate of solarization of an optical filtermay be similar or the same as the rate of degradation of a dischargelamp.

In general, discharge lamps are warrantied to a number of uses (i.e., aparticular number of triggers to generate a plasma), which is determinedin accordance with the expected degradation of one or more of itscomponents. For example, pulsed light sources are often warrantied toparticular number of pulses. For the apparatuses described herein, sucha use count could be used to characterize a degradation rate of adischarge lamp by multiplying the amount of ultraviolet light to beemitted during each operation times the number of triggers the dischargelamp is warrantied to be used. In this manner, a degradation rate may becomputed which can be correlated to a solarization rate of an opticalfilter. If the solarization rate of an optical filter is approximately amultiple whole number of a degradation rate of a discharge lamp in anapparatus, the components may be advantageously replaced at the sametime and, thus, downtime of the apparatus may be reduced relative toembodiments in which the components are replaced based on theirindividual merits. In addition, in cases in which light is monitored todetermine when to replace the items, the monitoring process may besimplified in that light from only one component needs to be measured.Other features addressing solarization of the optical filterincorporated in the apparatuses described herein are discussed in moredetail below in reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, specifically referencing asensor system configured to monitor parameters associated with theoperation of the discharge lamp as well as the transmittance of theoptical filter and also inclusion of a thermal rejuvenation systemwithin the apparatuses.

Several different exemplary configurations and arrangements of opticalfilters as well as optional accompanying components are described indetail below, particularly in reference FIGS. 1-8. More specifically,several different configurations of apparatuses are described below foraccommodating an optical filter in alignment with a discharge lamp. Eachof optical filters in the embodiments described in reference to FIGS.1-8 may have the optical filter characteristics set forth above. Thecharacteristics are not reiterated for each embodiment for the sake ofbrevity. As noted above, although it is not necessarily so limited, anoptical filter may be especially suitable for a room disinfectionapparatus. This is because room disinfection apparatuses are generallyconfigured to distribute light into the environment of the apparatusand, thus, do not include a housing to contain the light. It is notedthat although the inclusion of an optical filter may be beneficial insome of the apparatuses described herein, it is not necessarily arequirement and, thus may be omitted in some embodiments.

Another distinctive feature presented for the ultraviolet discharge lampapparatuses described herein is a reflector system configured toredirect ultraviolet light propagating away from a support structure ofan apparatus. In general, the reflector systems considered for theultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein may be used toincrease the size of an area exposed to ultraviolet light by theapparatus, decrease the distance ultraviolet light is propagated totarget objects or areas, and/or improve the incidence angle ofultraviolet light on target objects or areas. Several differentexemplary configurations and arrangements of reflector systemsconfigured to accomplish one or more of such objectives are described inmore detail below and are shown in FIGS. 1-8. In particular, apparatuseshaving a repositionable reflector are described. In addition,apparatuses having a reflector system which is configured to redirectultraviolet light propagating away from a support structure of theapparatus to encircle an exterior surface of the apparatus aredescribed. As noted above, such a configuration may be particularlyapplicable for room disinfection apparatuses.

Furthermore, apparatuses are described which have a reflector systemconfigured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from a supportstructure of an apparatus to a region exterior to the apparatus andwhich is between approximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet from afloor of a room in which the apparatus is arranged. In general, theregion between approximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet from afloor of a room is considered a “high touch” region of a room sinceobjects of frequent use are generally placed in such a region. Examplesof objects typically found in a high touch zone of a room include butare not limited to desktops, keyboards, telephones, chairs, door andcabinet handles, light switches and sinks. Examples of objects in hightouch zones of hospital rooms additionally or alternatively includebeds, bedside tables, tray tables and intravenous stands. Due to such aregion being considered a high touch zone, it is generally consideredthe area of highest probability to come in contact with germs and somestudies indicate that the high touch zone may be the area having thehighest concentration of germs. For such reasons, it may be advantageousto direct at least some ultraviolet light to a region which is betweenapproximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet from a floor of a room.The inclusion of a reflector system as described herein may be used toattain such an objective.

Although it is not necessarily so limited, the reflector systemsdescribed herein may be especially suitable for a room disinfectionapparatus. This is because room disinfection apparatuses are generallyconfigured to distribute light into the environment of the apparatusand, thus, do not include a housing to contain and reflect the light.For reasons set forth above, many of the ultraviolet discharge lampapparatuses described herein and depicted in the drawings are directedto floor based room disinfection apparatuses wherein the discharge lampis arranged to propagate light above an upper surface of the supportstructure of the apparatus. As noted above, such emphasized disclosureshould not, however, be construed to necessarily limit theconfigurations of the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses describedherein. For instance, in embodiments in which a discharge lamp isarranged to propagate light adjacent to a sidewall surface of a supportstructure of an apparatus, the reflector system of the apparatus mayinclude a reflector coupled to an uppermost portion of the sidewallsurface and/or a reflector coupled to a lowermost portion of thesidewall surface such that ultraviolet light is reflected downward orupward to a concentrated area. In other cases in which a discharge lampis arranged to propagate light below a lower surface of a supportstructure of an apparatus, the reflector system of the apparatus mayinclude a reflector below the discharge lamp. Several other arrangementsmay be suitable as well, particularly to increase the size of an areaexposed to ultraviolet light by the apparatus, decrease the distanceultraviolet light is propagated to target objects or areas, and/orimprove the incidence angle of ultraviolet light on target objects orareas.

In any case, as described in more detail below, a reflector systemconsidered for the apparatuses described herein may include one or morereflectors, which may be of any size or shape and may be arranged at anyposition within an apparatus to achieve the desired redirection oflight. In addition, the material of the reflector/s may be any foundsuitable for the desired redirection of light. An exemplary reflectormaterial found suitable for many of the apparatus configurationsdescribed herein is 4300UP Miro-UV available from ALANODAluminium-Veredlung GmbH & Co. KG. Another exemplary reflector materialfound suitable for many of the apparatus configurations described hereinis GORE® DRP® Diffuse Reflector Material available from W. L. Gore &Associates, Inc. Other reflector materials may be additionally oralternatively used, depending on the design specifications of thereflection system. In any case, each of the embodiments of thereflection systems described in reference to FIGS. 1-8 may have thecharacteristics of the reflection systems set forth above. Thecharacteristics are not reiterated for each embodiment for the sake ofbrevity. As with the inclusion of an optical filter in the apparatusesdescribed herein, although the inclusion of a reflector system may bebeneficial in some apparatuses, it is not necessarily a requirement and,thus, may be omitted in some embodiments. Furthermore, the features ofan optical filter and a reflector system are not mutually exclusive ormutually inclusive for an apparatus and, thus, an apparatus may includeone or both features.

Yet another distinctive feature presented for the ultraviolet dischargelamp apparatuses described herein is a lens system configured toredirect ultraviolet light propagating away from ultraviolet dischargelamp. In some cases, the lens systems considered for the ultravioletdischarge lamp apparatuses described herein may be configured to divergelight propagating away from the discharge lamp to increase the size ofan area exposed to ultraviolet light by the apparatus. In other cases,the lens system may be configured to converge light propagating awayfrom the discharge lamp to focus the ultraviolet light to a specificlocation. Different configurations and arrangements of lens systems aredescribed in more detail below, an example of which is shown in FIG. 9.In any case, a lens system considered for the apparatuses describedherein may include one or more lenses, which may be of any size, shapeor configuration and may be arranged at any position within an apparatusto achieve the desired redirection of light. In addition, a lens systemconsidered for the apparatuses described herein may include simplelens/es, complex lens/es or a combination thereof. As with the inclusionof an optical filter and a reflector system in the apparatuses describedherein, although the inclusion of a lens system may be beneficial insome apparatuses, it is not necessarily a requirement and, thus, may beomitted in some embodiments. Furthermore, the feature of a lens systemis neither mutually exclusive nor mutually inclusive with either anoptical filter or a reflector system and, thus, an apparatus may includeany combination of such features.

Turning back to FIG. 1, apparatus 20 includes optical filter 40configured to attenuate visible light emitted from discharge lamp 22.The configuration of optical filter 40 to attenuate visible lightemitted from discharge lamp 22 in FIG. 1 specifically pertains to theoptical characteristics of the filter to attenuate visible light as wellas the placement of the optical filter above and in alignment withdischarge lamp 22. As shown in FIG. 1, optical filter 40 may be arrangedflush with the upper surface of support structure 24 between thesidewalls of cup portion 42 such that optical filter 40 comprises a wallof an encasement enclosing discharge lamp 22. As described in moredetail below, the apparatuses described herein include a cooling systemfor regulating the temperature of the discharge lamp and encasing thelamp within an enclosure offers an efficient manner to achieve a desiredtemperature. The use of optical filter 40 as a wall of an encasement ofdischarge bulb 22 may simplify the incorporation of the optical filterinto apparatus 20 and, thus, may be beneficial in some design aspects.However, in some embodiments, it may be beneficial to have opticalfilter 40 distinct from an encasement of discharge lamp 22. For example,in some cases, it may be advantageous to be able to arrange an opticalfilter in and out of alignment with a discharge lamp, depending on thedesired operation of the apparatus. Such a configuration is described inmore detail below and exemplary variations of apparatus 20 toaccommodate such a configuration are shown in FIGS. 2a -2 c.

The cooling systems which may be considered for the apparatusesdescribed herein may vary and may generally depend on the designspecifications of the apparatus. Exemplary cooling systems which may beused include but are not limited to forced air systems and liquidcooling systems. Cooling system 44 shown in FIG. 1 is a forced airsystem including air inlet 46, air intake duct 48, fan 50, temperaturesensor 52, air duct 54 and air outlet 56. In some cases, one or more ofair inlet 46, air intake duct 48, air duct 54 and air outlet 56 mayinclude air filters. In some embodiments, air duct 54 and/or air outlet56 may additionally or alternatively include an ozone filter. In othercases, however, an ozone filter may be omitted from the apparatus. Ozonemay generally be created as a byproduct from the use of discharge lamp22, specifically if the lamp generates ultraviolet light of wavelengthsshorter than approximately 240 nm since such a spectrum of UV lightcauses oxygen atoms of oxygen molecules to dissociate, starting theozone generation process. Ozone is a known health and air quality hazardand, thus, the release of it by devices is regulated by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is also known that ozone is aneffective germicidal agent and, thus, if the amount of ozone to begenerated by a discharge lamp is lower than the EPA exposure limits forozone, it may be beneficial to exclude an ozone filter from apparatusesincluding such a discharge lamp.

In any case, different configurations of outlet ducts for cooling system44 may be considered for apparatus 20 as well as the other apparatusesdescribed herein. For example, in some configurations, a cooling systemmay be configured with an air outlet on the lower portion of a sidewallof support structure 24 or on the bottom surface of support structure24. Benefits of such alternative configurations include increasedcapacity for an ozone filter as well as reduced disturbance to theenvironment, particularly when an air outlet is positioned on the bottomsurface of support structure 24. In any case, the apparatuses describedherein may include a cooling system for the rest of the componentswithin support structure 24. In some cases, the support structurecooling system may be integrated with cooling system 44 for dischargelamp 22. In other embodiments, however, the two cooling systems may bedistinct. It is noted that although the inclusion of one or more coolingsystems may be beneficial in some of the apparatuses described herein,it is not necessarily a requirement and, thus may be omitted in someembodiments.

As noted above, apparatus 20 may include reflector system 60. Ingeneral, reflector system 60 is configured to redirect ultraviolet lightpropagating away from support structure 24. The configuration ofreflector system 60 to achieve such an objective involves the placement,shape, size and angle of reflector 62. In particular, discharge lamp 22is arranged in apparatus 20 to propagate light above an upper surface ofsupport structure 24, and, thus, reflector 62 is arranged abovedischarge lamp 22 to redirect the propagating ultraviolet light. Ingeneral, the redirection of the ultraviolet light reduces the distanceultraviolet light travels to objects adjacent to the apparatus,including underside surfaces of objects as well as top and sidewallsurfaces of objects. In particular, the redirection of ultraviolet lightvia reflector 62 averts travel to surfaces above the apparatus (e.g.,the ceiling of the room in which the apparatus is arranged) to getreflected back to objects adjacent to the apparatus. The averting oftravel to surfaces above the apparatus also shortens the distanceultraviolet light needs to travel to be incident on the underside ofobjects (such as by via reflection from the floor of a room in which anapparatus is arranged). As such, reflector system 60 may include areflector disposed above support structure 24 but spaced apart from theceiling of the room in which the apparatus is arranged as shown forreflector 62 in FIG. 1. In some cases, however, reflector system 60 mayinclude a reflector disposed within or on the ceiling of the room inwhich the apparatus is arranged.

In some cases, reflection system 60 may be configured to optimize theincident angle at which ultraviolet light is directed to objectsurfaces. For example, reflector 62 may be designed with a specific sizeand/or shape and/or may be repositionable such that an optimum incidentangle upon an object may be obtained. Exemplary configurations in whichreflector 62 is repositionable are discussed in more detail below. Inany case, reflector system 60 may, in some embodiments, include one ormore additional reflectors (i.e., in addition to reflector 62). Forexample, in some cases, reflector system 60 may include a reflectorcoupled to a sidewall of support structure 24, which is configured toredirect ultraviolet light received from reflector 62. The inclusion ofsuch an additional reflector may be beneficial for directing ultravioletlight to undersides of objects within a room. Additional reflectors maybe used as well or alternatively and may generally be designed (i.e.,size, shape and placement) to achieve any one of the objectives notedabove for reflector system 60 in conjunction with reflector 62.

In some embodiments, reflector system 60 may be specifically configuredto redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from support structure 24to a region which is between approximately 2 feet and approximately 4feet from a floor of a room in which apparatus 20 is arranged. Inparticular, as set forth above, it may be advantageous to redirectultraviolet light to such a region since it is a high touch zone. Insome cases, reflector system 60 may be additionally or alternativelyconfigured to redirect ultraviolet light propagating away from supportstructure 24 to a region which encircles an exterior surface of theapparatus. For instance, reflector 62 may be of a shape and size suchthat ultraviolet light is redirected to a region encircling supportstructure 24. Alternatively, reflector 62 may be of a shape and sizesuch that ultraviolet light is redirected to a region encirclingreflector system 60. In either case, a conical shape for reflector 62may be particularly suitable to achieve such redirection.

The term “encircle” as used herein refers to the formation of acontinuous circle around an object. The term is not restricted toembodiments of surrounding an entirety of an object or even a majorportion of an object. Thus, the phrasing that the ultraviolet dischargelamp apparatuses described herein may be configured such thatultraviolet light encircles an exterior surface of an apparatus refersto the formation of a continuous ring of ultraviolet light around atleast some exterior portion of the apparatus. In addition, the phrasingthat the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein may beconfigured such that ultraviolet light propagated to a region encirclingan apparatus during an operation of the apparatus collectively occupiesthe entirety of the encircling region refers to each part of acontinuous ring region around an apparatus being exposed to ultravioletlight at some time during the operation of the apparatus.

Regardless of the configuration of reflection system 60 or whetherapparatus 20 even includes reflection system 60, apparatus 20 may, insome embodiments, include another reflector system arranged withinsupport structure 24 which is configured to redirect light emitted fromdischarge lamp 22 in the direction of light propagation away from thesupport structure. In particular, apparatus 20 may include a reflectionsystem which is configured to redirect light emitted from the side andbottom surfaces of discharge lamp 22 in the same direction as the lightemitted from the top surfaces of discharge lamp 22. An example of such areflection system may involve the floor and/or sidewalls of cup portion42 having a reflective material. Other configurations of reflectionsystems, however, may be considered for the apparatuses describedherein.

As shown in FIG. 1, reflector system 60 may include support beams 64 and66 to suspend reflector 62. Such a cantilever support structure ismerely an example and various other support structures may be consideredfor reflector 62. Regardless of the configuration to suspend reflector62 above discharge lamp 22, reflector system 60 may, in some cases,include through holes such that some light propagated toward reflectorsystem 60 may pass through to regions above reflector system 60. Anexample of an embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 with support beam 66including through holes 68. In additional or alternative cases,reflector 62 may include through holes for such a purpose. In otherembodiments, reflector system 60 may be void of such through holes.Regardless, the size of reflector system 60 and, more specifically, thesize of reflector 62 may vary among apparatuses. In some cases, theareal dimensions of reflector 62 may be the same or larger than theareal dimensions of the encasement in which discharge lamp 22 iscontained. In this manner, nearly all the light propagating from supportstructure 24 will be directed to reflector 62. In other embodiments,however, the areal dimensions of reflector 62 may be smaller than theareal dimensions of the encasement in which discharge lamp 22 iscontained. In such cases, some light propagating from support structure24 may be directed beyond reflector 62.

Regardless of its size and configuration, reflector system 60 may, insome cases, be configured to move reflector 62 in the horizontal and/orvertical direction as shown by the double-arrowed lines in FIG. 1. Inthis manner, reflector 62 may be a repositionable reflector. In someembodiments, reflector 62 may be moved between operations of apparatus20 and, as such, reflector system 60 may, in some cases, include a meansfor securing the repositionable reflector at different positions withinapparatus 20. In other embodiments, reflector system 60 may include ameans for moving reflector 62 while apparatus 20 is in operation. Themovement of reflector 62 may be continuous or periodic while apparatus20 is in operation and, thus, reflector 62 may be moved while dischargelamp 22 is emitting light in some cases. The reference of apparatus 20being in operation refers to periods when the components of theapparatus have been activated to operate discharge lamp 22 andspecifically the operations by which to generate a radiating plasmawithin the discharge lamp. As noted above, discharge lamp 22 may, insome embodiments, be configured to generate continuous light once thelamp is triggered and, as such, the reference of apparatus 20 being inoperation in such cases refers to the time used to trigger the lamp aswell as the time of continuous light emission. In other embodiments, aflashlamp or a pulsed light source may be used for discharge lamp 22and, in such cases, the reference of apparatus 20 being in operationrefers to the times in which light is emitted from the lamp as well astimes in between the light flashing.

In any case, a means for moving reflector 62 and sometimes securingreflector 62 at different positions within apparatus 20 may, in someembodiments, include linear actuator/s for beam 64 and/or beam 66 aswell as program instructions processed by CPU 32 to affect the movementof the linear actuator/s and the timing thereof. In some embodiments,apparatus 20 may be configured such that reflector 62 may be movedmanually. An exemplary means for securing reflector 62 at differentpositions within apparatus 20 in such cases may include notches alongbeam 64 and/or beam 66 and a receiving protrusion on reflector 62 orvice versa. Other various means for moving reflector 62 and/or securingreflector 62 at different positions within apparatus 20 may beconsidered as well and, thus, the apparatuses are not limited to theexamples noted above. In any case, reflector 62 may be detachable fromapparatus 20 in some cases to affect its movement relative to dischargelamp 22 and/or for ease of storage or portability of apparatus 20.

In some cases, the movement of reflector 62 may be based oncharacteristics of a room in which apparatus 20 is arranged. Moregenerally, it may be advantageous, in some embodiments, to access and/oranalyze the characteristics of a room and use such information todetermine a number of operational parameters for apparatus 20, such asbut not limited to the placement of reflector 62 and/or the movementcharacteristics of reflector 62. For example, if a relatively highnumber of objects within a room are in the same general area, it may bebeneficial to position reflector 62 to direct more light to that area ascompared to other areas in the room. Other examples of determiningoperational parameters of disinfection sources based on thecharacteristics of a room are described in reference to FIGS. 2a-2c(i.e., determining a position of optical filter 40 based oncharacteristics of a room), in reference to FIG. 7 (i.e., determining aposition of the optical filter/reflector assembly based oncharacteristics of a room), in reference to FIG. 9 (i.e., determining aposition of a lens relative to a discharge lamp), as well as inreference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

In general, the phrase “characteristics of a room” as used herein refersto physical attributes as well as non-physical attributes of a room.Non-physical attributes of a room include but are not necessarilylimited to identifiers used to reference a room (e.g., room numberand/or room name) and occupancy information regarding a room (e.g.,infection information of a patient previously occupying the room or apatient scheduled to occupy the room). Physical attributes of a roominclude but are not necessarily limited to size and/or dimensions of theroom and/or the number, size, distances, locations, reflectivity and/oridentification of surfaces, objects and/or items within the room. Insome cases, a physical attribute of a room may be the identification ofone or more pathological organisms and, sometimes further the number orconcentration of such organism/s in the room, in a particular region ofthe room, or on a particular surface in the room.

The phrase “operating parameter of a disinfection source” as used hereinrefers to any parameter which may affect operation of a disinfectionsource, including but not limited to run time of a disinfection source,position of a disinfection source, orientation of components comprisinga disinfection source, germicidal dosing parameters for the disinfectionsource, and/or power supplied to a disinfection source. In cases inwhich the disinfection source includes a pulsed germicidal source, suchas a flashlamp for example, germicidal dosing parameters for thedisinfection source may include pulse duration and/or pulse frequency.Furthermore, in embodiments in which the germicidal source is aflashlamp, power supplied to the flashlamp may be referred to as “pulseintensity” or “intensity of the lamp”. The term “disinfection source” asused herein refers to a collection of one or more components used togenerate and disperse a germicidal agent, and, if applicable, isinclusive to any additional components used to effect the generation ordispersal of the germicidal agent. For example, discharge lamp 22, powercircuit 26, trigger circuit 30, optical filter 40, and reflector system60 of FIG. 1 may collectively be referred to as a disinfection source.Alternatively, apparatus 20 as a whole may be referred to as adisinfection source.

In some embodiments, apparatus 20 may include or may be configured toaccess a database listing characteristics of the room in which apparatus20 is arranged. In addition or alternatively, apparatus 20 may includesystem 70 for collecting and/or generating data regardingcharacteristics of a room in which the apparatus is arranged. In suchcases, any system known in the art for collecting, generating and/oranalyzing characteristics of a room may be used, depending on the datato be generated. Examples include spatial sensors, photo recognitionsystems and/or dosimeters. As shown in FIG. 1, system 70 may, in someembodiments, be operationally coupled to CPU 32. Alternatively, CPU 32may be configured to access room characteristic data from a database. Ineither case, CPU 32 may be configured to retrieve and access dataregarding characteristics of the room in which apparatus 20 is arrangedand determine an operating parameter of apparatus 20, such as a positionof reflector 62, based on the data. In some embodiments, the determinedoperating parameter may be relayed via user interface 34 such that auser of apparatus 20 may be informed to invoke the operating parameterfor apparatus 20, such as move reflector 62 to a particular position. Inother cases, CPU 32 may be configured to send a command in accordancewith the determined operating parameter to a means within apparatus 20for automatically invoking the operating parameter, such asautomatically moving reflector 62.

In some embodiments, system 70 may be used to measure doses ofultraviolet light received at an object or spot in a room in whichapparatus 20 is arranged. In particular, measuring the dose ofultraviolet light received at an object or spot in a room may aid indetermining operating parameter of apparatus 20, such as optimizing theplacement of reflector 62. As noted above, one of the primary factorsaffecting UV light intensity on an object is distance to the object.Another primary factor is the angle of incidence of the light. In lightthereof, if doses of ultraviolet light received at an object or spot ina room can be measured, such measurements can be used to determineoperating parameter of apparatus 20 (e.g., move reflector 62 such as tooptimize the angle of incidence on the object or spot). Through theoperational coupling of system 70 to CPU 32, CPU 32 may be configured toretrieve measurements from system 70, determine an operating parameterof apparatus 20 based on the measurements, such as a position ofreflector 62, and either relay the determined operating parameter touser interface 34 and/or send a command in accordance with thedetermined operating parameter to a means within apparatus 20 forautomatically invoking the operating parameter, such as moving reflector62. In general, any system known in the art for measuring ultravioletlight doses may be used for system 70. Examples include ultravioletdosimeters and radiometers.

As noted above, the efficiency of discharge lamps and optical filterswill decrease over time due to solarization. In addition, dischargelamps generally have a limited life as components thereof wear after agreat deal of use. As such, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatusesconsidered herein may, in some embodiments, include a sensor systemconfigured to monitor parameter/s associated with the operation of thedischarge lamp and, if applicable, parameter/s associated with thetransmittance of the optical filter. In particular, such a sensor systemmay be beneficial for determining when to replace the discharge lampand, if applicable, the optical filter as well as monitoring theefficiency of the UV light emitted from the apparatus since it relatesto UV intensity and dose. In general, the parameter/s associated withthe transmittance of an optical filter may be ultraviolet light dose orultraviolet light intensity. The same parameters may be monitored forthe operation of a discharge lamp, but pulse count may additionally oralternatively be monitored since discharge lamps are generallywarrantied for a specific number of pulses. In any case, when a sensorsystem is to be used to monitor parameter/s associated with both theoperation of a discharge lamp and the transmittance of an opticalfilter, the sensor system may be configured to monitor the sameparameters or different parameters regarding the two components. In someembodiments, a sensor system may include a single sensor configured tomeasure parameter/s associated with a discharge lamp and an opticalfilter. In other embodiments, however, a sensor system may includedistinct sensors for measuring respective parameters of a discharge lampand an optical filter.

An exemplary sensor system for apparatus 20 of FIG. 1 includes sensor 72arranged on the underside of reflector system 60 and sensor 74 arrangedin the encasement comprising discharge lamp 22. In general, sensor 74may be used to monitor a parameter associated with the operation ofdischarge lamp 22 and, more specifically, may be used to monitor lightemitted from discharge lamp 22 prior to passing through optical filter40. FIG. 1 illustrates sensor 74 disposed on a sidewall surface of cupportion 42, but sensor 74 may be arranged at any location within theencasement of discharge lamp 22. In other embodiments, sensor 74 may beomitted from apparatus 20. In particular, sensor 72 may, in someembodiments, be configured to monitor parameters associated with theoperation of discharge lamp 22 (such as by pulse count) and, thus,sensor 74 may not be needed. In any case, sensor 72 may be used tomonitor a parameter associated with the transmittance of optical filter40 and, thus, may be arranged at any location on apparatus 20 or nearbyapparatus 20 to receive light passed through optical filter 40. FIG. 1shows sensor 72 arranged on the underside of reflector system 60, butsuch a placement is exemplary.

As noted above, it may be advantageous, in some cases, to be able toarrange an optical filter in and out of alignment with a discharge lamp,depending on the desired operation of an apparatus. Example embodimentsinclude those in which an apparatus will be used in various rooms, somewith windows and others with no windows. As noted above, it may beadvantageous to have an optical filter arranged in alignment with adischarge lamp in rooms having windows. In contrast, however, it may bebeneficial to be able to arrange an optical filter out of alignment witha discharge lamp in a closed room with no windows to prevent unnecessarydegradation of the optical filter. More specifically, since the visiblelight generated by a discharge lamp in a closed room will not be seen,filtering the light may not be needed. Furthermore, as noted above, theability of an optical filter to transmit ultraviolet radiation willdecrease in relation to its time of exposure to UV radiation due tosolarization. As such, having the ability to arrange an optical filterout of alignment with a discharge lamp may offer a manner in which toextend the life of an optical filter for a given apparatus.

Exemplary variations of apparatus 20 which are configured such that anoptical filter may be arranged in and out of alignment with dischargelamp 22 are shown in FIGS. 2a-2c . In particular, FIGS. 2a-2c illustratevariations to the placement of optical filter 40 relative to itsplacement in FIG. 1 as being part of the encasement of discharge lamp22. It is noted that FIGS. 2a-2c merely set forth examples ofconfigurations for accommodating an optical filter in and out ofalignment with a discharge lamp, but such exemplary disclosures anddepictions should not be construed to limit the configurations ofapparatuses described herein for such an objective. It is further notedthat although FIGS. 2a-2c are described as variations to apparatus 20 inFIG. 1, FIGS. 2a-2c only depict a fraction of an apparatus in theinterest to simplify the drawings. In particular, FIGS. 2a-2c onlydepict the placement of optical filter 40 relative to the encasement ofdischarge lamp 22 within support structure 24. It is noted that featuresdepicted in FIGS. 2a-2c with the same configurations as described inreference to FIG. 1 (i.e., discharge lamp 22, support structure 24,optical filter 40 and cup portion 42) are denoted with the samereference numbers and the descriptions of such features are notreiterated for the sake of brevity. Since the embodiments of FIGS. 2a-2cdo not have optical filter 40 as part of the encasement of dischargelamp 22, each of FIGS. 2a-2c include a new feature relative to FIG. 1,specifically encasement topper 82. In general, encasement topper 82 maybe of an optically transparent material, such as but not limited toquartz.

As shown in FIG. 2a , variation 80 to apparatus 20 may include opticalfilter 40 arranged upon encasement topper 82. In such a configuration,optical filter 40 may, in some embodiments, simply be placed on top ofsupport structure 24 (i.e., the portion of support structure 24comprising encasement topper 82) without a means of securing opticalfilter 40 to the support structure. Alternatively, variation 80 mayinclude a means to affix optical filter 40 to support structure 24. Ineither case, placement of optical filter 40 upon encasement topper 82may be manual or may be automated. FIG. 2b illustrates variation 84 ofapparatus 20 slightly modified relative to variation 80 in FIG. 2a . Inparticular, FIG. 2b illustrates the inclusion of hinge 86 mounted to oneside of optical filter 40. In this manner, optical filter 40 may bearranged upon encasement topper 82 and may be removed from such aposition without detachment from the apparatus. Hinge 86 may beconfigured to pivot optical filter 40 any angle between 90 and 180degrees relative to the position of optical filter 40 shown in FIG. 2b .Thus, optical filter 40 may be put in any position between an uprightposition and a position on support structure 24 opposing discharge lamp22 when moved from the position above the discharge lamp. Movement ofoptical filter 40 in such embodiments may be manual or may be automated.A different variation of apparatus 20 is depicted in FIG. 2c which hasoptical filter 40 arranged upon a slider for moving the optical filterin and out of alignment with discharge lamp 22 along the upper surfaceof support structure 24, as is indicated by the horizontal double arrow.The movement of optical filter 40 on the slider may be manual orautomated.

Regardless of the configuration of apparatus 20 such that optical filter40 may be arranged in and out of alignment with discharge lamp 22,apparatus 20 may be configured such that optical filter 40 is protectedfrom exposure to ultraviolet light when not in alignment with dischargelamp 22. For instance, apparatus 20 may, in some embodiments, include acompartment in which optical filter 40 may be placed when it is removedfrom and/or repositioned in the apparatus. In addition or alternatively,apparatus 20 may include a component to cover optical filter 40 when itis taken out of alignment with discharge lamp 22. In any case, as setforth above, each of the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 2a-2c may beautomated and, thus, not only may the ultraviolet discharge lampapparatuses disclosed herein be configured to accommodate an opticalfilter in and out of alignment with a discharge lamp, the apparatusesmay, in some embodiments, include a means for automatically moving theoptical filter in and out of alignment with the discharge lamp. Such ameans may include any mechanism/s known in the art for moving objects.In some embodiments, the determination of whether to move the opticalfilter and/or the timing to move the optical filter may be determined bya user of apparatus 20. In other cases, however, apparatus 20 mayinclude program instructions which are executable by CPU 32 such thatthe determination of whether to move the optical filter and/or thetiming to move the optical filter may be automated.

As noted above, it may be advantageous, in some embodiments, to accessand/or analyze the characteristics of a room and use such information todetermine a number of operational parameters for apparatus 20. Inparticular, it may be advantageous to determine whether there is awindow in the room in which apparatus 20 is arranged and determine aposition of optical filter 40 based on the data. In this manner, inembodiments in which a window is detected in a room in which apparatus20 is arranged, optical filter 40 may be arranged in alignment withdischarge lamp 22 prior to operating the discharge lamp to producelight. Conversely, in embodiments in which a window is not detected in aroom in which apparatus 20 is arranged, optical filter 40 may bearranged out of alignment with discharge lamp 22 prior to operating thedischarge lamp to produce light. It is noted that the optionalconfigurations to affect movement of optical filter 40 may be inaddition or alternative to the configurations noted above for affectingmovement of reflector 62. As noted above, apparatus 20 may include ormay be configured to access a database listing characteristics of one ormore rooms and/or apparatus 20 may include system 70, for collectingand/or generating data regarding characteristics of a room. In general,any system known in the art for determining whether there is a window inthe room may be used for system 70 in such cases, such as but notlimited to reflection sensors. As further described above, CPU 32 ofapparatus 20 may be configured to retrieve and/or access the data,determine a position of optical filter 40 based on the data, and eitherrelay the determined position to user interface 34 and/or send a commandin accordance with the determined position to a means within apparatus20 for automatically moving optical filter 40.

FIG. 2c illustrates an optional feature for apparatus 20 in conjunctionwith including a slider for optical filter 40, specifically theinclusion of thermal rejuvenation chamber 90 adjacent to supportstructure 24. As noted above, the ability of an optical filter totransmit ultraviolet radiation will decrease in relation to its time ofexposure to UV radiation due to solarization. In some cases, however,the solarization effects may be reversed if the optical filter is heatedat high temperatures, such as on the order of 500° C. Although such aprocess may be done independent of apparatus 20, it may be advantageousin some embodiments to incorporate the process into apparatus 20 toreduce downtime of the apparatus and/or such that a replacement opticalfilter does not need to be on hand while optical filter 40 is beingrejuvenated. Due to the high temperatures required to reverse theeffects of solarization, it is preferable that thermal rejuvenationchamber 90 be a distinct chamber from support structure 24. In addition,it would be advantageous for thermal rejuvenation chamber 90 to beconfigured to not only withstand, but substantially contain the heatgenerated therein to prevent heat degradation/damage of componentswithin support structure 24.

As shown by the downward arrow in FIG. 2c , apparatus 20 may, in someembodiments, be configured to move optical filter 40 into thermalrejuvenation chamber 90. In other embodiments, it may be done manually.In either case, the movement of optical filter 40 into thermalrejuvenation chamber 90 may, in some embodiments, be dependent onmeasurements taken regarding the transmittance of optical filter 40. Inparticular, information collected from sensor 72 regarding thetransmittance of optical filter 40 may be used to determine when to movethe optical filter into thermal rejuvenation chamber 90. Although theinclusion of a thermal rejuvenation chamber may be beneficial in someapparatuses, it is not a requirement and, thus, may be omitted in someembodiments. Furthermore, the features of thermal rejuvenation chamber90 and optical filter 40 being on a slider as shown in FIG. 2c areneither mutually exclusive nor mutually inclusive for an apparatus and,thus, an apparatus may include one or both features. In fact, any of theapparatuses described herein which include an optical filter may includea thermal rejuvenation chamber, including those described above inreference to FIGS. 1, 2 a and 2 b as well as those described below inreference to FIGS. 3-8.

As noted above, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses describedherein are not restricted to embodiments in which a discharge lamp isdisposed (i.e., nested) within the confines of a support structure asdepicted in FIG. 1. Rather, ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses mayalternatively have a discharge lamp which is arranged at least partiallyexterior to a support structure. An exemplary embodiment of a variationto apparatus 20 in which discharge lamp 22 is arranged exterior tosupport structure 24 is shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, variation92 may include a different optical filter configuration than that shownfor apparatus 20 in FIG. 1, specifically optical filter 94 instead ofoptical filter 40. In addition to being configured to attenuate visiblelight propagated above discharge lamp 22, optical filter 94 isconfigured to attenuate visible light propagated sideways from dischargelamp to account for discharge lamp 22 being arranged above supportstructure 24. Due to such a displacement of discharge lamp 22, cupportion 42 may, in some embodiments, be omitted from support structure24 as shown in FIG. 3. In such cases, variation 92 may, in someembodiments as shown in FIG. 3, include reflective plane 96 disposedbelow discharge lamp 22 to redirect light emitted from the bottom ofdischarge lamp 22 upward.

As further noted above, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatusesdescribed herein are not restricted to embodiments in which a dischargelamp is arranged in a “horizontal position.” Rather, the ultravioletdischarge lamp apparatuses described herein may include discharge lampsarranged at any angle relative to the surface plane at which the lamp issupported. Examples of ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses havingdischarge lamps arranged in a “vertical position” (i.e., arrangedlengthwise perpendicular to a plane of the apparatus at which the lampis supported) are shown in FIGS. 4-8. Each of such embodiments include asupport structure, a power circuit, trigger circuit and accompanyingoptional components (e.g., CPU, user interface, sensors, roomcharacteristics system, hinge, slider, and/or thermal rejuvenationchamber) as described for FIG. 1. Each of such features, however, hasnot been depicted in each of FIGS. 4-8 for simplicity purposes as wellas to emphasize the differing configurations of the depicted opticalfilters and reflector systems. Furthermore, each of such features hasnot been described in reference to FIGS. 4-8 for the sake of brevity.

Turning to FIG. 4, apparatus 100 is shown having a discharge lampassembly supported above support structure 102 and arranged lengthwiseperpendicular to a plane of support structure 102. The discharge lampassembly includes discharge lamp 104 surrounded by optical filter 106and vertically disposed between fan 108 and ozone filter 119. Inaddition, the discharge lamp assembly includes base 110 and air filter112 supported at base 114. Optical filter 106 may, in some embodiments,be a wall of an encasement enclosing discharge lamp 104, making up aforced air cooling system for apparatus 100 with fan 108. Apparatus 100further includes reflector 118 affixed to ozone filter 119 at the top ofoptical filter 106. The characteristics of reflector 118, discharge lamp104 and the cooling system of apparatus 100 as well as the opticalcharacteristics of optical filter 106 may generally include thosedescribed above for all of the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatusesconsidered herein and are not reiterated for the sake of brevity. Aswith the embodiments described above, several of the components includedin apparatus 100 may be replaced and/or omitted for other configurationsof ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein, particularlyoptical filter 106, reflector 118, ozone filter 119 and the coolingsystem of apparatus 100. As such, the compilation and configurations ofcomponents depicted in FIG. 4 are not necessarily mutually inclusive.

Furthermore, it is noted that apparatus 100 may include additionalcomponents (i.e., components other than what is depicted in FIG. 4). Forexample, in some embodiments, apparatus 100 may include an opticallytransparent intermediate barrier arranged between and spaced apart fromdischarge lamp 104 and optical filter 106. An exemplary material for theintermediate barrier may be quartz, but its composition is not solimited. The intermediate barrier may be a wall of an encasementenclosing discharge lamp 104 and, thus, may be vertically disposedbetween fan 108 and ozone filter 119 and part of the cooling system forapparatus 100. In such cases, optical filter 106 surrounds theintermediate barrier as a distinct glass piece spaced apart from theintermediate barrier and is secured to base 110, fan 108, and/orreflector 118. Incorporating an intermediate barrier between dischargelamp 104 and optical filter 106 may be advantageous when it is desirableto have the capability to arrange optical filter 106 in and out ofalignment with discharge lamp 104 or when it is desirable to haveoptical filter 106 move independent of discharge lamp 104 duringoperation of the apparatus. In particular, an intermediate barrier maytake on the role as being part of an encasement to discharge lamp 104,allowing movement of optical filter 106 without sacrificing a coolingsystem for discharge lamp 104.

As set forth in more detail below, it may be advantageous in someembodiments to move an optical filter of the apparatuses describedherein about a central axis (e.g., to rotate or oscillate) during theoperation of an apparatus. It is generally not desirable, however, tomove a discharge lamp in the same manner due to concerns of damage tothe discharge lamp. Thus, in some embodiments, optical filter 106 may besecured to base 110 or fan 108, but may be spaced apart from reflector118 or vice versa. In such cases, apparatus 100 may include anadditional component/s coupled to optical filter 106 which is configuredto block light, particularly visible light, in the gap between opticalfilter 106 and base 110, fan 108 or reflector 118. Exemplary componentswhich may be particularly suitable for such function may be a densecollection of bristles.

In any case, although the amount and rate of cooling gas discharged froman apparatus may vary greatly and may generally depend on the designspecifications of the apparatus, in some embodiments the amount and rateof gas may be sufficient to trigger sprinkler systems in a room,particularly when the outlet duct of a cooling system is directed towardthe ceiling as was discovered during the development of the apparatusesdescribed herein. As such, in some cases, apparatus 100 may include acap component spaced above the discharge lamp assembly to allow for airdischarge to the side of the apparatus rather than above the apparatus.An exemplary configuration of a cap component is shown in FIG. 5 anddescribed in more detail below. An alternative solution to preventsprinkler systems from being triggered from exhaust of a cooling systemis to lower the flow rate of gas through the lamp assembly if doing sodoes not cause the discharge lamp to be above its suggested maximumoperating temperature. On the contrary, decreasing the gas flow rate maynot be desirable in some cases (i.e., even if it does not cause thedischarge lamp to exceed is maximum operating temperature) sinceoperating discharge lamps at cooler temperatures generally offers alonger life for the lamp and theoretically generates more ultravioletlight.

FIG. 5 illustrates variation 115 to apparatus 100 having cap component117 arranged above the lamp discharge assembly of the apparatus and,more specifically, above an outlet of the cooling system within the lampdischarge assembly such that exhaust therefrom may be directed sidewaysrather than above the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5, cap component 117may be domed to prevent objects from being placed thereon. Such a domeconfiguration is not restricted to embodiments in which an apparatusincludes a cap component above a discharge lamp assembly. In particular,the top of a discharge lamp assembly may be domed in some cases toprevent objects from being placed thereon. Furthermore, the inclusion ofcap component 117 is not mutually inclusive to embodiments in whichozone filter 119 comprises the entire top portion of the discharge lampassembly as shown in FIG. 5. In particular, any of the apparatusesdisclosed herein may include a component spaced apart from an outlet ofits cooling system to direct exhaust therefrom.

As shown in FIG. 4, apparatus 100 may, in some embodiments, includelinear actuators 116 coupled to base 114. In general, linear actuators116 may be used to move the discharge lamp assembly and attachedreflector 118 in and out of support structure 102. Such a configurationmay be advantageous for protecting the discharge lamp assembly and theattached reflector from damage while apparatus 100 is not in use and,particularly, in transport. In other embodiments, linear actuators 116may be used to move the discharge lamp assembly and the attachedreflector while apparatus 100 is in operation and, in some cases, whiledischarge lamp 104 is emitting light. In particular, in someembodiments, it may be advantageous to move the discharge lamp assemblyand the attached reflector while apparatus 100 is in operation to aid inthe distribution of ultraviolet light within a room in which theapparatus is arranged. Other manners of effecting movement of thedischarge lamp assembly and attached reflector may be used and, thus,the apparatuses considered herein are not necessarily limited to linearactuators 116 to achieve such an objective. For example, apparatus 100may alternatively have fixed rails along which the discharge lampassembly and attached reflector may move. In any case, the configurationto move a discharge lamp assembly during operation of an apparatus isnot exclusive to embodiments in which the apparatus includes a reflectorattached to and/or above the discharge lamp assembly.

Since apparatus 100 is configured to extend discharge lamp 104 beyond anexterior surface of support structure 102, optical filter 106 isconfigured to surround discharge lamp 104 and, thus, may be cylindricalin shape in some cases as shown in FIG. 4. Such a configuration ofoptical filter 106 may include a right circular cylindrically formedoptical filter glass or may include a film having the desired opticalcharacteristics disposed upon an optically transparent right circularcylindrical substrate, such as quartz for example. Other configurationsof optical filters which surround discharge lamp 104 may also bepossible as described in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 6 and7. In yet other cases, optical filter 106 may be omitted from apparatus100. In particular, as noted above although the inclusion of an opticalfilter may be beneficial in some of the apparatuses described herein, itis not necessarily a requirement.

A benefit of having apparatus 100 configured to extend discharge lamp104 beyond an exterior surface of support structure 102 is thatultraviolet light emitted from discharge lamp 104 and, if applicable,passing through optical filter 106 encircles an exterior surface of theapparatus without necessarily the inclusion of reflector 118. Inparticular, the extension of discharge lamp 104 beyond an exteriorsurface of support structure 102 innately causes ultraviolet lightemitted from discharge lamp 104 and, if applicable, passing throughoptical filter 106 to encircle the lamp housing, which comprises anexterior surface of the apparatus. Depending on the height of supportstructure 102 as well as the height of the discharge lamp assembly, theextension of discharge lamp 104 beyond an exterior surface of supportstructure 102 may cause ultraviolet light emitted from discharge lamp104 to encircle support structure 102 as well. Further yet, theextension of discharge lamp 104 beyond an exterior surface of supportstructure 102 may, in some embodiments, cause ultraviolet light topropagate to a region which is between approximately 2 feet andapproximately 4 feet from a floor in which apparatus 100 is arranged,which as described above may be considered a high touch zone in a roomneeding particularly effective disinfection. In yet other cases,although the suspension of discharge lamp 104 above support structure102 may be beneficial for distributing light around apparatus 100, theplacement of discharge lamp 104 is not necessarily so limited. Inparticular, discharge lamp 104 may alternatively be arranged uponsupport structure 102 or may be partially disposed with supportstructure 102.

Since extending a discharge lamp beyond an exterior surface of a supportstructure is effective for propagating light around an apparatus, areflector system for redirecting ultraviolet light propagating away fromthe apparatus may not be needed in some embodiments of the apparatusesdescribed herein, particularly for apparatuses having verticallypositioned discharge lamps. In some cases, however, such a reflectorsystem may be included as shown in apparatus 100 of FIG. 4. As notedabove, a reflector system of apparatus 100 may include reflector 118affixed to ozone filter 119 at the top of optical filter 106. Althoughsuch a configuration may be advantageous for moving reflector 118 withthe discharge lamp assembly (i.e., in a vertical direction in and out ofsupport structure 102), the configuration of the apparatus is not solimited. In particular, reflector 118 may alternatively be detached fromthe discharge lamp assembly in apparatus 100. Such a configuration maybe advantageous in embodiments in which it is desirable to move thereflector independent of the discharge lamp assembly, such as foroptimizing a redirection of ultraviolet light to a specific area. Otheralternative configurations for apparatus 100 include reflector 118 andozone filter 119 having the same or similar diameter and beingvertically disposed relative to each other as shown in FIG. 5. Inparticular, FIG. 5 illustrates variation 115 to apparatus 100 in whichozone filter 119 comprises a top portion of the discharge lamp assemblywith reflector 118 comprising the bottom portion of the assembly. Such aconfiguration may advantageously allow greater air flow through the lamphousing and, thus, provide a more efficient cooling system. In yet otherembodiments, ozone filter 119 may be omitted from apparatus 100 andreplaced with an air filter and/or an optical filter.

In any case, reflector 118 may be circular as shown in FIG. 4 and, maybe specifically conical in some embodiments. Other shapes, however, maybe considered for reflector 118. In some embodiments, reflector 118 mayinclude holes such that some ultraviolet light may be propagated aboveapparatus 100. In any case, apparatus 100 may, in some embodiments,include additional reflector/s for redirecting ultraviolet lightpropagating from either discharge lamp 104 and/or reflector 118. Forinstance, in some embodiments, apparatus 100 may include a reflectordisposed around the base of discharge lamp assembly. In some cases, theadditional reflector may be attached to the discharge lamp assembly suchthat it moves with it. In other embodiments, the additional reflectormay be affixed to the upper surface of support structure 102 and thedischarge lamp assembly may move through it. As with the shape ofreflector 118, the additional reflector may, in some cases, be circularand even conical, but other shapes may be considered. Regardless of theconfiguration of reflector 118 or even its inclusion within apparatus100, the base to which discharge lamp 104 is supported (e.g., the top offan 108) may include a reflector.

As noted above, other configurations of optical filters which surrounddischarge lamp 104 may be considered for the ultraviolet discharge lampapparatuses disclosed herein and are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. It is notedthat the variations of apparatuses illustrated FIGS. 6 and 7 are used toemphasize different configurations of optical filters which may beconsidered for the apparatuses described herein. Although not shown, thevariations of apparatuses illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 may include anyof the components shown and described in FIGS. 1-5. For example, thevariations may include any components of the lamp assembly described inreference to FIG. 4 as well as reflector 118. Furthermore, the size ofozone filter 119 in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be altered from its depictionand/or ozone filter 119 may be omitted from the configurations of FIGS.6 and 7, depending on the design specifications of an apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates variation 120 to apparatus 100 having multifacetedoptical filter 122 surrounding discharge lamp 104. FIG. 6 illustratesmultifaceted optical filter 122 arranged upon support structure 102, butsuch an arrangement is exemplary. Multifaceted optical filter 122 mayalternatively be suspended above support structure 102 as is shown anddepicted for optical filter 106 in FIG. 4. In yet other embodiments,multifaceted optical filter 122 and accompanying discharge bulb 104 maybe partially disposed within support structure 102. In any case, amultifaceted optical filter generally includes multiple panels ofoptical filters fused together. Although multifaceted optical filter 122is shown including six panels, it is not so limited. In particular, themultifaceted optical filters considered for the apparatuses describedherein may include any plurality of optical filter panels. In addition,the optical filter panels may be made of optical filter glass materialor may be made of optically transparent substrates, such as quartz forexample, having films with the desired optical characteristics disposedthereon. In either case, the optical filter panels may, in someembodiments, include narrow strips of a different material (such asmetal or plastic) for structural support. In some cases, one or more ofthe narrow support strips may partially or entirely include a reflectivematerial to aid in redirection of light emitted from the discharge lamparound which they are arranged.

In some embodiments, a multifaceted optical filter may be cheaper than aright circular cylindrical optical filter, particularly for embodimentsin which the optical filter is made of an optical filter glass material.A disadvantage of employing a multifaceted optical filter, however, maybe that ultraviolet light may be blocked where the plates are fusedand/or where support strips are disposed and, thus, areas of a room inwhich the apparatus is arranged may not be adequately disinfected. Oneway to overcome such deficiency is to move the multifaceted opticalfilter during operation of the apparatus. In particular, themultifaceted optical filter may be moved around a central axis such thatultraviolet light propagated to a region encircling apparatus 100 duringthe operation of the apparatus may collectively occupy the entirety ofthe encircling region. The multifaceted optical filter may be rotated afull revolution or more during the operation of the apparatus or may berotated less than a revolution during the operation of an apparatus. Insome embodiments, the multifaceted optical filter may be moved afraction of a revolution, wherein the fraction corresponds to the numberof optical panels comprising the multifaceted optical filter. Forexample, in embodiments in which the multifaceted optical filterincludes six optical panels, the multifaceted optical filter may bemoved ⅙ of a revolution.

In any case, some of the apparatuses described herein may include ameans for moving an optical filter around a central axis. Such a meansmay include any mechanism known in the art for moving an object and, infurther embodiments, may also include program instructions which areexecutable by CPU 32 such that the timing to move the optical filteraround a central axis may be automated. As noted above, although it maybe advantageous in some embodiments to move an optical filter of theultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein about a centralaxis during the operation of an apparatus, it is generally not desirableto move a discharge lamp in the same manner due to concerns of damagingthe discharge lamp. Thus, in some embodiments, variation 120 may includean intermediate barrier between discharge lamp 104 and multifacetedoptical filter 122. As described above, the intermediate barrier may bepart of an encasement around discharge lamp 104. In addition,multifaceted optical filter 122 may be configured to move independent ofthe intermediate barrier.

In yet other embodiments, multifaceted optical filter 122 may not beconfigured to move about a central axis during the operation of anapparatus. In particular, it is theorized that light propagated fromneighboring optical filter panels of multifaceted optical filter 122 mayconverge at some point and, thus, ultraviolet light may encircle anexterior surface of apparatus 100 without moving multifaceted opticalfilter 122 around a central axis during operation of apparatus 100. Inyet other embodiments, discharge lamp 104 may include a configurationwhich counteracts potential blocking from the fused areas of the opticalfilter panels and/or support strips disposed on multifaceted opticalfilter 122. For example, discharge lamp 104 may include a U-shaped bulbhaving a spacing between the “bars” of the U that is larger than thewidth of the fused areas and/or the support strips. In either of suchcases, apparatus 100 may be referred to as being configured such that atleast some of the ultraviolet light emitted from discharge lamp 104 andpassed through multifaceted optical filter 122 encircles an exteriorsurface of the apparatus. Alternatively, it may be determined that thegaps of coverage incurred by the fused areas of the optical filterpanels and/or where support strips are disposed on multifaceted opticalfilter 122 may not be significant and, thus, movement of multifacetedoptical filter 122 may not be needed.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another configuration of an optical filter whichmay be used within the apparatuses considered herein. In particular,FIG. 7 illustrates variation 124 to apparatus 100 having an assembly ofoptical filter 126 and reflector 128 surrounding discharge lamp 104. Asshown in FIG. 7, optical filter 126 and reflector 128 may, in someembodiments, be of approximately equal size along the cylindricalsidewalls of the assembly. However, other configurations are possible,including those in which optical filter 126 is larger than the portionof reflector 128 along the sidewalls of the assembly and those in whichoptical filter 126 is smaller than the portion of reflector 128 alongthe sidewalls of the assembly. As such, a more general description of anoptical filter/reflector assembly which may be considered for theapparatuses described herein may be an assembly which includes anoptical filter and a reflector opposing the optical filter or viceversa.

As shown in FIG. 7, reflector 128 may, in some cases, further comprise atop portion of the assembly. Other configurations for the assembly top,however, may be considered, including optical filter 126 alternativelycomprising the top portion of the assembly or having a combination ofreflector 128 and optical filter 126 comprising the top portion of theassembly. It is further noted that the shape of the opticalfilter/reflector assembly is not restricted to being a right circularcylinder as shown in FIG. 7. Rather, one or more of reflector 128 andoptical filter 126 may include multiple panels and, thus, the assemblymay be of a polygonal cylinder shape in some cases. In addition oralternatively, the top of the assembly may be slanted or, moregenerally, have a variation in height. Such a configuration may beparticularly advantageous when at least a portion of the top includesreflector 128 such that ultraviolet light may be redirected downward toa desirable region within a room. In addition or alternatively, such aconfiguration may be advantageous for preventing exhaust from a coolingsystem of the apparatus from being directly routed to a ceiling of theroom in which the apparatus is arranged.

In any case, the optical filter/reflector assembly of FIG. 7 may beeffective for targeting a specific area within a room which is adjacentto the apparatus, such as an area having a high concentration ofobjects. In some embodiments, the optical filter/reflector assembly maybe configured to move. For example, in some cases, the opticalfilter/reflector assembly may be configured to oscillate. Such aconfiguration may be advantageous when a given target area is largerthan the span to which the optical filter/reflector assembly caneffectively emit ultraviolet light when it is stationary. In otherembodiments, the optical filter/reflector assembly may be configured torotate. In any case, the movement of the optical filter/reflectorassembly may, in some embodiments, be based on characteristics of a roomin which apparatus 100 is arranged. For example, if a relatively highnumber of objects within a room are in the same general area, it may bebeneficial to position the optical filter/reflector assembly to directlight to that specific area as compared to other areas in the room.

Similar to apparatus 20 described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 a-2 c,apparatus 100 may include or may be configured to access a databaselisting characteristics of one or more rooms and/or apparatus 100 mayinclude system 70 for collecting and/or generating data regardingcharacteristics of a room. Any system known in the art for generating,collecting and/or analyzing characteristics of a room may be used.Examples include dosimeters, spatial sensors and/or photo recognitionsystems. In some cases, apparatus 100 may further include CPU 32 toretrieve data, determine a position of the optical filter/reflectorassembly based on the data, and either relay the determined position touser interface 34 and/or send a command in accordance with thedetermined position to a means within apparatus 100 for automaticallymoving the optical filter/reflector assembly.

As noted above, the ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses describedherein may include a lens system to either diverge or converge lightpropagating away from the discharge lamp. The configuration of a lenssystem to achieve either objective involves the placement, shape, sizeand configuration of the lens system. Set forth below are descriptionsof example converging lens systems and example diverging lens systemsfor apparatus 100 depicted in FIG. 4. It is noted converging ordiverging lens systems may be similarly configured into apparatus 20depicted in FIG. 1 or into any germicidal lamp apparatus describedherein to achieve a desired redirection of light from a germicidal lamp.In particular, any of the germicidal lamp apparatuses described herein,including those described in reference to FIGS. 1-7, may include a lenssystem with one or more lenses of any size, shape and configuration andarranged at any position within an apparatus to achieve a desiredredirection of light. In addition, any of the germicidal lampapparatuses described herein may be configured to move lens/es relativeto the germicidal lamp of the apparatus and, in some cases, move thelens/es based on characteristics of a room in which an apparatus isarranged.

An example of an ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatus including a lenssystem is shown in FIG. 8 in which converging lens system 127 isarranged around optical filter 106. In particular, FIG. 8 is across-sectional view of a variation 125 of apparatus 100 taken alongaxis AA shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 8, converging lens system 127encircles optical filter 106 and discharge lamp 104 and, thus, convergeslight to an area which encircles apparatus 100. In some cases,converging lens system 127 may be a single continuous component as shownin FIG. 8 (i.e., converging lens system 127 may be a simple or complexoptical element of continuous construction around optical filter 106).In other embodiments, converging lens system 127 may be multifacetedaround optical filter 106 similar to the configuration described formultifaceted optical filter 122 in reference to FIG. 6. In other words,converging lens system 127 may be made of multiple converging lens(simple or complex) fused together in a cylindrical arrangement. In suchcases or in any embodiments in which multiple lens are employed, it may,in some cases, be advantageous for apparatus 100 to include a means forcollectively moving the converging lenses about a central axis (e.g.,oscillate or rotate at least partially) during the operation ofapparatus 100 such that the converged light from each lens may bedistributed across a region of a room. In some cases, apparatus 100 mayinclude a converging lens system which does not encircle optical filter106 and discharge lamp 104. As noted above, the term “encircle” as usedherein refers to the formation of a continuous circle around an object.In some cases, apparatus 100 may include a single non-encircling lens(simple or complex) arranged adjacent to optical filter 106. In otherembodiments, apparatus 100 may include multiple converging lenses spacedapart from each other adjacent to optical filter 106 and, in some cases,surrounding optical filter 106.

In any of such embodiments, apparatus 100 may, in some cases, beconfigured such that the convergence of light from the lens/es may bechanged. For instance, apparatus 100 may be configured to reposition(i.e., axially drive) one or more converging lens/es toward and/or awayfrom optical filter 106, or more specifically discharge lamp 104, tochange the convergence of light from the lens/es. To accommodate such aconfiguration, apparatus 100 may include a means for driving andsecuring the one or more repositionable lens at different positionswithin apparatus 100 and various configurations of such a means may beconsidered. In addition or alternatively, in cases in which a converginglens system includes a complex lens, apparatus 100 may, in someembodiments, be configured to add or remove lens/es to the complex lensto change the convergence of light from the lens/es. To accommodate sucha configuration, apparatus may include a means by which to access andmove the applicable lens/es in and out of alignment with the complexlens and possibly a means by which to store them. Other manners and/orconfigurations for apparatus 100 may be considered for allowing theconvergence of light from lens/es to be changed.

In some cases, a repositionable lens may be moved manually withinapparatus 100. In other embodiments, however, apparatus 100 may includea means for moving a repositionable lens. In further of such cases,apparatus 100 may, in some embodiments, be configured to move arepositionable lens continuously or periodically while apparatus 100 isin operation. In particular, apparatus 100 may be programmed to move arepositionable lens while apparatus 100 is in operation according to aschedule of positions or in response to UV reflection measurementsreceived by the apparatus during operation of the apparatus. Thereference of apparatus 100 being in operation refers to periods when thecomponents of the apparatus have been activated to operate dischargelamp 104 and specifically the operations by which to generate aradiating plasma within the discharge lamp. As noted above, dischargelamp 104 may, in some embodiments, be configured to generate continuouslight once the lamp is triggered and, as such, the reference ofapparatus 104 being in operation in such cases refers to the time usedto trigger the lamp as well as the time of continuous light emission. Inother embodiments, a flashlamp or a pulsed light source may be used fordischarge lamp 104 and, in such cases, the reference of apparatus 100being in operation refers to the times in which light is emitted fromthe lamp as well as times in between the light flashing.

In some embodiments, positioning repositionable lens/es a particulardistance from discharge lamp 104 may be based on characteristics of aroom in which apparatus 100 is arranged. For example, if a specific areaor object within a room is specifically targeted for disinfection, itmay be beneficial to position a converging lens to direct more light tothat area or object based on the distance the region or object is fromapparatus 100. Through the operational coupling of system 70 to CPU 32,CPU 32 may be configured to retrieve distance measurements from system70, determine position/s of the converging lens/es based on themeasurements (via a database table or an algorithm) and either relay theposition/s to user interface 34 and/or send a command in accordance withthe position/s to a means within apparatus 20 for moving the converginglens/es.

In any of the aforementioned cases, the converging lens/es may be of anysize, shape and configuration and may be arranged at any position withinan apparatus to achieve the desired redirection of light. In addition,the converging lens/es may be simple or complex lens/es. As such, thedepiction of converging lens system 127 in FIG. 8 should not limit thescope of configurations which may be considered for a converging lens.For example, in some embodiments, converging lens system 127 may abutthe bottom portion of reflector 118 such that the gap depicted in FIG. 8between the components is omitted. Such a configuration may beadvantageous for converging nearly all of the light emitted fromdischarge lamp 104 (i.e., with the exception of the nominal light whichmay be absorbed into fan 108 and ozone filter 119). In yet other cases,converging lens system 127 may be arranged exterior to the canopy ofreflector 118. Other configurations may be considered as well. Forinstance, converging lens system 127 may be smaller than discharge lamp104 in some embodiments. In addition or alternatively, lens/es ofconverging lens system 127 may be arranged at a nonparallel anglerelative to discharge lamp 104. Yet another optional configuration isthat apparatus 100 may additionally or alternatively include one or moreconverging lens/es in the space between discharge lamp 104 and opticalfilter 106 arranged in any of the configurations noted above.

In some cases, a converging lens system for apparatus 100 may beconfigured to converge light from discharge lamp 104 to a region betweenapproximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet from a floor of a room inwhich apparatus 100 is arranged. As noted above, such a region isconsidered a “high touch” region of a room since objects of frequent useare generally placed in such a space. The configuration of a converginglens system to converge light to a region between approximately 2 feetand approximately 4 feet from a floor of a room may generally depend onthe size and shape of the lens/es relative to the size and shape of thedischarge lamp and relative to the distance the discharge lamp is fromthe floor and/or the ceiling of the room. Furthermore, the configurationof a converging lens system to converge light to a region betweenapproximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet from a floor of a room maygenerally depend on the distance the lens/es are from discharge lamp.One skilled in the art would be apprised of how to take such parametersinto consideration for developing a lens system to converge light fromdischarge lamp 104 to a region between approximately 2 feet andapproximately 4 feet from a floor of a room in which apparatus 100 isarranged.

As noted above, an apparatus described herein may include a lens systemconfigured to diverge light propagating away from the discharge lamp toincrease the size of an area exposed to ultraviolet light by theapparatus. Thus, in some embodiments, apparatus 100 may include adiverging lens system exterior to optical filter 106 or between opticalfilter 106 and discharge lamp 104. In general, the diverging lens/es ofthe diverging lens system may be of any size and shape and may bearranged at any position within an apparatus to achieve the desiredredirection of light. In addition, the diverging lens/es may be simpleor complex lens/es. In some cases, the diverging lens system may includeconfigurations similar to those described above in reference toconverging lens system 127. In particular, the diverging lens system mayinclude a single continuous diverging lens surrounding discharge lamp104, a single diverging lens which does not encompass discharge lamp104, a multifaceted diverging lens system, or multiple diverging lensesspaced apart from each other.

Furthermore, in cases in which the diverging lens system includesmultiples lenses, apparatus 100 may, in some cases, be configured tocollectively move the diverging lenses about a central axis (e.g.,oscillate or rotate at least partially) during the operation ofapparatus 100 such that the diverged light from each lens may bedistributed across a region of a room. Moreover, apparatus 100 may, insome cases, be configured such that the divergence of light from thelens/es may be changed. For example, in cases in which a complexdiverging lens system is used, apparatus 100 may, in some embodiments,be configured to add or remove lens/es to the complex lens to change thedivergence of light from the lens/es. In addition or alternatively,apparatus 100 may be configured to reposition one or more of thediverging lens/es toward or away from discharge lamp 104 to change thedivergence of the light from the lens/es. Other manners and/orconfigurations for apparatus 100 may be considered for allowing thedivergence of light from lens/es to be changed. Repositioning thediverging lens/es may, in some embodiments, be based on characteristicsof a room in which apparatus 100 is arranged. For example, if arelatively large area or object within a room is specifically targetedfor disinfection, it may be beneficial to position a diverging lens toexpose more of the area or object to the light generated by thedischarge lamp. The positioning of the diverging lens in such cases maybe based on the distance the region or object is from apparatus 100 aswell as the size of the region or object.

Regardless of whether a diverging lens system is configured to movewithin apparatus 100, a diverging lens system for apparatus 100 may, insome embodiments, be configured to diverge light from discharge lamp 104to a region between approximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet from afloor of a room in which apparatus 100 is arranged. Similar to aconverging lens system, the configuration of a diverging lens system todiverge light to a region between approximately 2 feet and approximately4 feet from a floor of a room may generally depend on the size and shapeof the lens/es relative to the size and shape of the discharge lamp andrelative to the distance the discharge lamp is from the floor and/or theceiling of the room. Furthermore, the configuration of a diverging lenssystem to diverge light to a region between approximately 2 feet andapproximately 4 feet from a floor of a room may generally depend on thedistance the lens/es are from discharge lamp. One skilled in the artwould be apprised of how to take such parameters into consideration fordeveloping a lens system to diverge light from discharge lamp 104 to aregion between approximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet from afloor of a room in which apparatus 100 is arranged.

In addition or alternative to the features described above, theultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses described herein may, in someembodiments, include multiple discharge lamps. Such apparatuses mayinclude optical filters and/or reflection systems for each dischargelamp in accordance with the descriptions of such features providedabove. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a discharge lampwith an optical filter configured to attenuate a majority amount ofvisible light emitted therefrom and further include a discharge lampwithout an optical filter arranged in its proximity. Such aconfiguration may be advantageous for alternating the use of thedischarge lamps depending on whether it is desired to attenuate visiblelight during operation of the apparatus. In some cases, some or all ofthe multiple discharge lamps may be operated by the same power circuitand/or the same trigger circuit. In other embodiments, an apparatus mayinclude a distinct power circuit and/or a distinct trigger circuit foreach discharge lamp. In either case, it is contemplated herein thatmultiple apparatuses each having one or more discharge lamps may beconfigured to work in communication with each other (i.e., make up asystem) to disinfect a room. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary system 130including multiple ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses 132 and 142respectively including discharge lamp assemblies 134 and 144 and sensors136 and 146. The dotted line between apparatuses 132 and 142 indicatesthat the units may be configured to communicate with each other and/ormay be connected via a central processing unit.

In any case, an apparatus having multiple discharge lamps or a systemhaving multiple discharge lamp apparatuses may be configured to operatethe discharge lamps at the same time, in succession or in distinctoperations of the apparatus/system. Operating multiple discharge lampsat the same time may advantageously reduce the time needed to treat anarea. To further minimize the time needed to treat an area whilepreventing “overdosing” an area with too much UV light, anapparatus/system may be configured to modify operational parameters ofthe apparatus/system, such as the intensity or pulse frequency of eachlamp, based on characteristics of the room in which the apparatus/systemis arranged or on the ultraviolet light reflected from a target object.This may involve a database or one or more sensors, and sometimes asensor for each discharge lamp unit, for determining characteristics ofa room or the amount or intensity of ultraviolet light reflected from atarget object. In some cases, an apparatus/system may includeultrasonic, infrared or other sensors to map a room in which theapparatus/system is arranged and, in some embodiments, be configured tomap a room in relation to each discharge lamp unit. Such a mappingadaptation could also be included in an apparatus including a singledischarge lamp which is not necessarily part of a multi-apparatussystem.

In any case, a CPU of an apparatus/system may be configured to analyzethe map/s and determine the necessary ultraviolet light dose in order toreach a minimum dose on all targeted surfaces. In addition, a CPU of amulti-lamp apparatus/system may be configured to allocate power to eachdischarge lamp unit to optimize the total treatment time for a room. Theabove could also be accomplished using feedback from sensors used tomeasure reflected ultraviolet light. Information from all sensors (e.g.,ultraviolet light emitted, room size/shape, and position of all bulbunits) could be fed into an equation or algorithm that determined atotal operating time for each bulb unit. This would allow power to bediverted to units to optimize the decontamination speed in an area. Forexample, in a system configuration, two units may be used to treatdifferent sections of an area or even different rooms. When sensorsdetect that one of the sections has received the required ultravioletlight dose, the corresponding unit could shut-off. The remaining unitcould, in some embodiments, receive the diverted power and be able topulse at a higher frequency if desired. The sensor system could besophisticated enough to detect whether there was a common space betweenthe different sections and further designate the second unit to treatthe common space and therefore exclude that area from the dosecalculations for the first unit. Additionally, operating time could beoptimized by altering the directionality of emitted ultraviolet lightfor each bulb unit through changes in reflector height, orientationand/or shape.

In some embodiments, an apparatus or system could be created that movedwithin a room to provide multiple foci for ultraviolet light dispersal.In such cases, the information obtained through room sensing (viaultrasonic or infrared sensors or reflected ultraviolet light) could beused to guide a moving apparatus/system through a room. Anapparatus/system could move using motorized wheels and have sensors tomaneuver around obstacles. An apparatus/system could “learn” a roomthrough sensing in real time as it moved, mapping the received dose oneach surface as it moved. An apparatus/system could also be manuallypushed through a room by a user while the apparatus/system mapped theroom and then a CPU of the apparatus/system could analyze the map anddetermine the correct dose at each position for operation of theapparatus/system. The map and dose requirements could be used to alterthe speed at which the mobile apparatus/system would pass by differentsurfaces.

Turning to FIGS. 10-12, systems for controlling the operation ofgermicidal devices and, more specifically, systems which determineoperating parameters and disinfection schedules for germicidal devicesare provided. In particular, FIG. 10 depicts a system including one ormore disinfection sources and a processing subsystem havingprocessor-executable program instructions for determining operatingparameters and disinfection schedules for the one or more disinfectionsources. In addition, FIG. 11 depicts a flowchart outlining a method forwhich the processor-executable program instructions of the systemdepicted in FIG. 10 may be configured to perform. Furthermore, FIG. 12depicts a flowchart outlining another method for which theprocessor-executable program instructions of the system depicted in FIG.10 may be configured to perform. In general, the systems and processesdescribed in reference to FIGS. 10-12 may be applicable to any systemincluding a disinfection source. The term “disinfection source” as usedherein refers to a collection of one or more components used to generateand disperse a germicidal agent, and, if applicable, is inclusive to anyadditional components used to effect the generation or dispersal of thegermicidal agent. In some embodiments, a device or an apparatus mayinclude a single set of components for generating a germicide. In suchcases, the components associated with generating the germicide may bereferred to as the disinfection source or, alternatively, the device orapparatus as a whole may be referenced as a disinfection source. Inother embodiments, a device or apparatus may include multipledisinfection sources (i.e., multiple sets of components for generatingmultiple sources of one or more germicides).

In any case, the term “germicide” as used herein refers to an agent fordeactivating or killing microorganisms, particularly disease carryingand/or disease producing microorganisms (a.k.a., germs). The term“kill”, as used herein, means to cause the death of an organism. Incontrast, the term “deactivate”, as used herein, means to render anorganism unable to reproduce without killing. As such, a germicide whichis configured to deactivate a microorganism refers to an agent whichrenders a microorganism unable to reproduce but leaves the organismalive. In general, the disinfection source's considered for the systemsand processes disclosed in FIGS. 10-12 may be configured to generate agermicide in form of a liquid, a vapor, a gas, a plasma, ultravioletlight, and/or high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light. As such, thedisinfection source/s considered or the systems and processes disclosedin FIGS. 10-12 may include but are not necessarily limited to thedischarge lamp apparatuses described above in reference to FIGS. 1-9.Examples of disinfection sources which may be configured to disperseliquid, vapor, gaseous, or plasma germicides include but are notnecessarily limited to liquid sprayers, foggers, plasmas torchers andmisting systems including wet and dry mist systems. As used herein, theterm “mist” refers to a suspension of minute globules of a liquid in agas. For use herein, a germicidal mist is categorized as a liquidgermicide.

In some embodiments, a liquid, vapor, gaseous or plasma germicide mayimpart its deactivation or killing functionality by the manner in whichit is used. For example, boiling water, steam and heated air are ofteneffective sterilizing agents due to the temperature at which they areemployed. Furthermore, the germicidal effectiveness of some plasmagermicides is primarily due to the presence and activity of chargedparticles making up the plasma rather than the molecular composition ofthe charged particles. As used herein, the phrase “molecularlyconfigured” refers to the elemental composition of a substance (i.e.,the number and type of atoms making up a substance) to impart thefunction stated after the phrase. In some cases, the functionality of aliquid, vapor, gaseous or plasma germicide to deactivate and/or kill amicroorganism may be attributed to the elements constituting thegermicide and, thus, such germicides may be referenced as beingmolecularly configured to deactivate and/or kill microorganisms.

An example of a gaseous germicide that is molecularly configured to killmicroorganisms is ozone. Examples of plasmas germicides that aremolecularly configured to deactivate or kill microorganisms are thosethat employ or generate reactive oxygen species. Examples of liquid andvapor germicides that are molecularly configured to deactivate or killmicroorganisms include liquid and vapor disinfection solutions having aprinciple disinfection agent such as but not limited to bleach, hydrogenperoxide, chlorine, alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds or ozone. Inany of such cases, the liquid and vapor germicides may be aqueous ornon-aqueous. It is noted that the disinfection source's considered orthe systems and processes disclosed in FIGS. 10-12 may include thosewhich are configured to impart deactivation or killing functionality bythe manner in which the germicide is used as well as by a germicide'smolecularly configuration.

Turning to FIG. 10, system 150 is shown including disinfection source's160 and optionally disinfection source/s 162 and 164. In particular, thedotted lines bordering disinfection source's 162 and 164 denote thatthey are optional features of system 150. In general, system 150 mayinclude any number of disinfection sources, including just onedisinfection source or any plurality of disinfection sources.Furthermore, system 150 may include any number of devices or apparatusesincluding one or more disinfection sources. In particular, system 150may, in some cases, include a single disinfection device or apparatushaving one or more disinfection sources. In other embodiments, system150 may include multiple disinfection devices or apparatuses each havingone or more disinfection sources as shown in FIG. 10.

In any case, the disinfection source's within system 150 may be fixedlyarranged within a room or may be portable. In embodiments in whichsystem 150 includes multiple disinfection sources, less than all of thedisinfection sources may be fixedly arranged within a room and theothers may be portable. In yet other cases in which system 150 includesmultiple disinfection sources, all of the disinfection sources may befixedly arranged within a room or all may be portable. Furthermore, asnoted above, the disinfection source's considered for the systems andprocesses disclosed in FIGS. 10-12 may be configured to generate agermicide in form of a liquid, a vapor, a gas, a plasma, ultravioletlight, and/or high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light. It is notedthat in embodiments in which system 150 includes multiple disinfectionsources, the disinfection source's may be any combination of sourcesconfigured to generate a germicide in form of a liquid, a vapor, a gas,a plasma, ultraviolet light, and/or high-intensity narrow-spectrum(HINS) light or may exclusively include the same type of disinfectionsource.

As set forth in more detail below, the processes outlined in FIGS. 11and 12 for determining operating parameters and disinfection schedulesfor disinfection source/s 160 and optionally disinfection source/s 162and 164 are based on characteristics of a room in which system 150 isarranged. Consequently, the disinfection source/s of system 150 as wellas the device/s and apparatus/es comprising the disinfection source/smay be particularly configured for room disinfection. More specifically,the disinfection source's of system 150 as well as the device/s andapparatus/es comprising the disinfection source/s may be configured todistribute a germicidal agent in a spacious manner such that a room maybe treated. As used herein, the term “room disinfection” refers to thecleansing of a bounded area which is suitable for human occupancy so asto deactivate, destroy or prevent the growth of disease-carryingmicroorganisms in the area. It is noted that the room disinfectiondevices and apparatuses described herein, particularly ones consideredfor the systems and processes described in reference to FIGS. 10-12, maycome in a variety of configurations, including those which are floorbased, wall based and ceiling based.

As further shown in FIG. 10, system 150 includes processing subsystem152 having processor 156 and program instructions 154 which areexecutable by processor 156. As set forth in more detail below inreference to FIGS. 11 and 12, program instructions 154 may be configuredto determine operating parameters and/or disinfection schedules for thedisinfection sources comprising system 150 (e.g., disinfection source's160 and, if applicable, disinfection source's 162 and 164). The term“program instructions”, as used herein, may generally refer to commandswithin a program which are configured to perform a particular function,such as receiving input, recording receipts of signals, determining whenand/or whether to allow a device to start an operation, and sendingsignals to start and/or end operation of a device. Program instructionsmay be implemented in any of various ways, including procedure-basedtechniques, component-based techniques, and/or object-orientedtechniques, among others. For example, the program instructions may beimplemented using ActiveX controls, C++ objects, JavaBeans, MicrosoftFoundation Classes (“MFC”), or other technologies or methodologies, asdesired. Program instructions implementing the processes describedherein may be transmitted over on a carrier medium such as a wire,cable, or wireless transmission link.

In some embodiments, processing subsystem 152 may be a single processingunit which is connected to each of the disinfection source's of system150 and, thus, may be considered a central processing unit, particularlywhen system 150 includes multiple disinfection sources. In such cases,processing subsystem 152 may, in some embodiments, be a distinct entityfrom the device/s or apparatus/es comprising the disinfection source'sof system 150 as shown in FIG. 10. In yet other cases, processingsubsystem 152 may be disposed within a device or apparatus comprisingthe disinfection source's of system 150. In yet other embodiments,processing subsystem 152 may include multiple processors, each disposedon a different device or apparatus comprising the disinfection source'sof system 150. In such cases, processing subsystem 152 may be at leastpartially distributed among devices or apparatuses comprising themultiple disinfection sources. In some embodiments, each device orapparatus comprising disinfection source's of system 150 may include aprocessor and program instructions 154.

Turning to FIG. 11, a flowchart is provided outlining processes fordetermining one or more operating parameters for one or moredisinfection sources of a germicidal system based upon characteristicsof a room in which the one or more disinfection sources are arranged. Asshown in block 170 of FIG. 11, the method includes receiving dataregarding characteristics of a room in which one or more disinfectionsources are arranged. Such a process may include accessing a databasecomprising the data as denoted in block 172 and/or receiving data fromone or more sensors within the room which generate the data as denotedin block 174. In the latter case, the one or more sensors may, in someembodiments, be independent from the disinfection source/s and theprocessing subsystem of the germicidal system. In other cases, one ormore of the sensors may be disposed within one or more of thedisinfection source's or within the processing subsystem of thegermicidal system if it is distinct from the disinfection source/s.

In general, the phrase “characteristics of a room” as used herein refersto physical attributes as well as non-physical attributes of a room.Non-physical attributes of a room include but are not necessarilylimited to identifiers used to reference a room (e.g., room numberand/or room name) and occupancy information regarding a room (e.g.,infection information of a patient previously occupying the room or apatient scheduled to occupy the room). Physical attributes of a roominclude but are not necessarily limited to size and/or dimensions of theroom and/or the number, size, distances, locations, reflectivity and/oridentification or prioritization of surfaces and/or objects within theroom. In some cases, a physical attribute of a room may be theidentification (i.e., detection via sample analysis) of one or morepathological organisms and, sometimes further the number orconcentration of such organism/s in the room, in a particular region ofthe room, or on a particular surface in the room.

As further shown in block 180 of FIG. 11, the method further includesdetermining one or more individual operating parameters for the one ormore disinfection sources based on the data received regarding thecharacteristics of the room. The phrase “operating parameter of adisinfection source” as used herein refers to any parameter which mayaffect operation of a disinfection source, including but not limited torun time of a disinfection source, position of a disinfection source,orientation of components comprising a disinfection source, germicidaldosing parameters for the disinfection source, and/or power supplied toa disinfection source. In cases in which the disinfection sourceincludes a pulsed germicidal source, such as a flashlamp for example,germicidal dosing parameters for the disinfection source may includepulse duration and/or pulse frequency. Furthermore, in embodiments inwhich the germicidal source is a flashlamp, power supplied to theflashlamp may be referred to as “pulse intensity” or “intensity of thelamp”.

During the development of the systems described herein, a fewdiscoveries arose while investigating optimum intensities and amounts ofexposure of ultraviolet light from xenon flashbulbs. In particular, itwas discovered that for a given microorganism at a set distance, thereare diminishing returns to increasing the pulse intensity of a xenonflashlamp in regard to disinfection efficiency of the flashlamp. Inother words, it was discovered that more intense pulses of a xenonflashlamp did not result in a proportional manner to a higher efficiencyof disinfection for a given microorganism at a set distance. Hence, itis set forth that in some cases pulse intensities may be used for xenonflashlamps which are lower than those conventionally employed fordisinfection processes including xenon flashlamps of comparable size(i.e., voltage application may be reduced, such as by up toapproximately 25%). Such a reduction in pulse intensity will reduceenergy use and extend bulb life, leading to cost savings. It iscontemplated that there are diminishing returns to increasing the pulseintensity of other types of flashlamps regarding disinfection efficiencyand, thus, it is set forth that lower pulse intensities may beapplicable for any type of pulsed light source relative to thoseconventionally employed for the same type and size of pulsed lightsource.

It is noted that knowledge of the aforementioned discovery may bebeneficial for the systems described herein, particularly fordetermining pulse intensity for a pulsed light disinfection source thatconserves energy and lengthens bulb life but optimizes a disinfectionprocess for a room. In particular, the systems described herein may beprogrammed with information correlating to the aforementioned discoveryto determine a favorable (suitably disinfective, but energy conserving)pulse intensity for a pulsed light disinfection source based oncharacteristics of a room, such as size of the room, distance to anintended object from the pulsed light disinfection source, and/ordisinfection of a target microorganism identified for the room.

It was further discovered during the development of the systemsdescribed herein that eliminating the descending tail portion of a xenonpulse profile does not significantly impact the disinfection propertiesof the light generated by a xenon flashlamp. In particular, it wasdiscovered that respective systems which generate xenon pulse profileswith and without a tail portion descending from a same level of initialintensity do not differ in disinfection efficacy. FIGS. 13 and 14 depictexamples of xenon pulse profiles, respectively with and without a tailportion descending from a same level of the initial intensity for axenon flashlamp. In particular, FIG. 13 illustrates a xenon pulseprofile having tail portion 212 descending from intensity level 210.FIG. 14, on the other hand, illustrates a corresponding xenon pulseprofile having same applied intensity level 210, but without tailportion 212. The reduction in microbial growth resulting fromapplication of the xenon pulse profiles of FIGS. 13 and 14 weresubstantially similar, constituting the aforementioned discovery. Inview of such a discovery, it is contemplated that reducing thedescending tail portion rather than eliminating it will notsignificantly impact the disinfection properties of the light generatedby a xenon flashlamp either. The xenon pulse profiles of FIGS. 13 and 14were generated from the same system with a distinguishing factor thatthe xenon pulse profile of FIG. 14 was generated employing a smallerinduction coil in the system than that what was employed for the xenonpulse profile of FIG. 13. It is noted that other manners may be employedfor eliminating or reducing descending tail portions of a xenon pulseprofile and, thus, generating xenon pulse profiles with a reduced or nodescending tail portion are not necessarily limited to use of smallerinduction coils in xenon flashlamp systems.

As a consequence of reducing or eliminating the descending tail portionof a xenon pulse profile, it is set forth that pulse durations of xenonflashlamps may be shortened relative to conventional disinfectionprocesses employing xenon flashlamps of comparable size. A reduction inpulse duration will advantageously conserve energy, reducing costs ofusing a xenon flashlamp. It is set forth that pulse duration of a xenonflashlamp may be reduced by up to 75% relative to a conventionaldisinfection processes employing xenon flashlamps of comparable size. Asan example, pulse durations of a xenon flashlamps considered for thesystems described herein may be in the range of approximately 80microseconds and approximately 120 microseconds. Shorter or longer pulsedurations, however, may be employed. In light of the possibility ofreduced pulse durations, it is further set forth that when the xenonpulse profiles are generated with a reduced or no descending tailportion, pulse frequencies of xenon flashlamps may be increased relativeto current disinfection processes employing xenon flashlamps ofcomparable size. Higher pulse frequencies will increase the disinfectionrate of a xenon flashlamp, improving the disinfection efficiency of asystem. As a consequence of increasing pulse frequency, total durationsof disinfection processes employing xenon flashlamps may be shortenedrelative to current disinfection processes employing xenon flashlamps ofcomparable size, saving time for conducting a disinfection process.

It is contemplated in light of the aforementioned discovery thatreducing or eliminating the descending trail portions of pulse profilesof other types of flashlamps will not impact the disinfection propertiesof the light generated by the flashlamps. Thus, it is set forth thatshortened pulse durations, increased pulse frequencies, and/or reduceddurations for disinfection processes may be applicable for any type ofpulsed light source relative to those conventionally employed for thesame type and size of pulsed light source. It is further noted thatknowledge of the aforementioned discovery may be beneficial for thesystems described herein, particularly for determining pulse duration,pulse frequency, and/or run time for a pulsed light disinfection source.In particular, the systems described herein may be programmed withinformation correlating to the aforementioned discovery to determine apulse duration which conserves energy, a pulse frequency which increasesdisinfection efficiency, and/or a run time which reduces the time for adisinfection process, all of which may be based on characteristics of aroom.

In general, there are a number of manners in which to conduct theprocess outlined in block 180, i.e. to determine one or more individualoperating parameters for the one or more disinfection sources based onthe data received regarding the characteristics of the room. Forexample, the process may, in some embodiments, involve accessing adatabase comprising a list of room attributes and correspondingpredetermined operating parameter/s for one or more disinfectionsources. For instance, a non-physical attribute of a room, such as aroom number, a room name or occupancy information regarding the room,may be entered into a user interface of a germicidal system and suchdata entry may initiate access to the aforementioned database todetermine operating parameter/s for one or more disinfection sources. Inparticular, a preassigned room identifier (such as “103” or “OperatingRoom”) may be entered into a user interface (such as by key entry orscanning a barcode) and one or more operating parameters for one or moredisinfection sources arranged in such a room may be determined from adatabase outlining such correlative information. Such an embodiment maybe particularly applicable for a germicidal system which includes one ormore portable disinfection devices and, thus, are used within aplurality of different rooms. Another example includes entering inoccupancy information regarding a room (e.g., infection information of apatient previously occupying the room or a patient scheduled to occupythe room) into a user interface one or more operating parameters for oneor more disinfection sources may be determined from such information.Such an embodiment may be particularly applicable when a patientpreviously occupying a room was diagnosed and/or was treated for aspecific spore infection or when an incoming patient who is known tohave a low immune system (such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)).In such cases, the operating parameter determined for the one or moredisinfection sources may be based on the patient's affliction.

In some cases, the aforementioned process may be augmented by factoringin the number and/or type of disinfection sources or devices arranged inthe room. In particular, in addition to entering a non-physicalattribute of a room, such as a room number, a room name or occupancyinformation regarding the room, into a user interface, the number and/ortype of disinfection sources or devices arranged in the room may beentered into the user interface in order to determine one or moreoperating parameters of one or more disinfection sources. In such cases,the database accessed upon such entry may include additional field/sregarding numbers and/or types of disinfection sources which may beapplicable for each room attribute listed and a corresponding differentset of one or more operating parameters for each disinfection source. Insome cases, particular disinfection sources may be selected for usebased on characteristics of a room. It is noted that the aforementionedembodiments are not only applicable for germicidal systems having one ormore portable disinfection devices exclusively, but are also applicablefor germicidal systems having one or more portable disinfection devicesin combination with disinfection sources fixedly disposed within a room.In the latter of such embodiments, the operating parameters set forth inthe database may, in some cases, be preset based on known positions ofthe fixedly disposed disinfection sources in a room.

It is noted that accessing a database to determine one or more operatingparameters of one or more disinfection sources is not limited tononphysical attributes of a room (such as a room identifier or occupancyinformation for the room). In particular, a database may additionally oralternatively include a list of values or ranges for one or morephysical attributes (such as size and/or dimensions of the room and/orthe number, size, distances, locations, reflectivity and/oridentification or prioritization of surfaces and/or objects within theroom) and corresponding predetermined operating parameter/s for one ormore disinfection sources which may be arranged in a room. Such anembodiment may also be augmented by factoring in the number and/or typeof disinfection sources or devices arranged in the room to determine oneor more operating parameters of the disinfection source/s.

In any case, the physical attributes may be entered via a user interfaceor may be obtained via one or more sensors within a room. An example ofan embodiment which may be applicable for the aforementioned case iswhen a room size is obtained and an accessible database includesdifferent run times, different rates of germicidal discharge, and/ordifferent power levels to be supplied to disinfection sources fordifferent room sizes or ranges of room sizes. In particular, relativelylarge rooms will likely need longer and/or more efficient germicidalexposure versus smaller rooms and, thus, it is contemplated that itwould be advantageous to set run times, rates of germicidal discharge,and/or power levels to be supplied to disinfection sources based on asize of a room. In cases in which the disinfection source includes apulsed germicidal source, such as a flashlamp for example, operatingparameters affecting rates of germicidal discharge for the disinfectionsource may include pulse duration and/or pulse frequency. Furthermore,in embodiments in which the germicidal source is a flashlamp, powerlevel supplied to the flashlamp may be referred to as “pulse intensity”or “intensity of the lamp”. Other correlations of room characteristicsto operating parameters of disinfection sources may be contemplated fora database and, thus, the aforementioned example is not to be construedas limiting the scope of the disclosure provided herein.

An alternative manner in which to determine one or more operatingparameters of one or more disinfection sources based on characteristicsof a room is to employ an algorithm correlating such variables. Thealgorithm may, in some embodiments, be based solely on physicalcharacteristics of a room to determine one or more operating parametersof one or more disinfection sources. In other cases, the algorithm maybe based on a combination of physical and nonphysical characteristics ofa room to determine one or more operating parameters of one or moredisinfection sources. In any embodiment, particular disinfection sourcesmay be selected for use based on characteristics of a room, particularlyvia use of the algorithm, in addition or alternative to determiningoperating parameters of one or more disinfection sources. As with thedatabase embodiments noted above, the algorithm may, in someembodiments, be based on the number and/or type of disinfection devicesarranged in the room in addition to characteristics of the room.Although not necessarily so limited, it may be advantageous to employ analgorithm-based process when multiple room characteristics affect adetermination of operating parameter/s for one or more disinfectionsources. In addition or alternatively, it may be advantageous to employan algorithm-based process when multiple operating parameters are to bedetermined and/or when individual operating parameter/s are to bedetermined for multiple disinfection sources. In particular, the scopeof correlating variables becomes more complex as more variables play arole and, thus, an algorithm may be more suitable than a database insuch cases.

In some cases, the room characteristic data received at block 170 ofFIG. 11 may be used to identify locations, regions, objects and/orsurfaces within the room as denoted in blocks 176 and 178. In suchcases, the process of determining individual operating parameters forone or more disinfection sources denoted in block 180 may be based onthe identified locations, regions, objects or surfaces of block 176 orblock 178 (i.e., via a database or an algorithm). As noted in block 176,the room characteristic data received at block 170 may, in someembodiments, be used to identify locations, regions, objects and/orsurfaces within the room and priority rankings (e.g., numbers orletters) may be assigned to each of the identified locations, regions,objects and/or surfaces according to a predefined association ofpriority rankings with the identified locations, regions, objects and/orsurfaces (such as via a database or an algorithm). In some cases, thepriority rankings for at least some of the surfaces may be based on anamount of time since their last disinfection. It is noted that theassignment of priority rankings in block 176 is one manner in which toincorporate prioritization to locations, regions, objects and/orsurfaces within a room. Alternatively, priority rankings may bepreassigned to locations, regions, objects and/or surfaces. In any case,the priority rankings may include any type of characters to denote ahierarchical importance among locations, regions, object and surfaceswithin a room, including but not limited to number, letters, and wordssuch as “high” and “low.”

As shown in FIG. 11, the priority characters assigned in block 176 may,in some embodiments, be used to identify target locations, regions,objects and/or surfaces within a room as denoted by the arrows betweenblocks 176 and 178. It is noted, however, that the dotted linesbordering blocks 176 and 178 denote that the processes are optional. Assuch, in some embodiments, block 176 may be omitted from the process andthe room characteristic data received at block 170 may be used directlyto identify target locations, regions, objects and/or surfaces withinthe room at block 178 (such as via a database or an algorithm). In othercases, block 178 may be omitted and the locations, regions, objectsand/or surfaces identified in block 176 may be used to determine one ormore individual operating parameters at block 180. In yet otherembodiments, both blocks 176 and 178 may be omitted from the method and,thus, the process outlined in FIG. 11 may, in some cases, continue toblock 180 directly from block 170. It is noted that in cases in whichtarget locations, regions, objects and/or surfaces within a room areidentified, the process of block 180 determines one or more operatingparameters for each disinfection source specific to their targetedlocation/s, region/s, object/s and/or surface/s.

The process of identifying target locations, regions, objects and/orsurfaces at block 178 may be implemented in a variety of manners and maygenerally be dependent on the type of sensor used to analyze a room forsuch targets. For example, in some cases, the targets may be identifiedby detection of the farthest distance from each disinfection source(i.e., using a distance sensor), i.e., the farthest distance to anobject between apparatuses or the farthest distance from a disinfectionsource if no other apparatuses are detected in the vicinity. In otherembodiments, targets may be identified by detection of the shortestdistance from each disinfection source or detection of surfaces at aspecified distance from each disinfection source. In alternative cases,a sensor may be used to evaluate the dimensions of objects and/orsurfaces within a room and from such data the sensor and/or theprocessing subsystem of the germicidal system may be able to ascertainwhat the object and/or surface is (such as a bed, nightstand, or IV polein a hospital room).

In some of such embodiments, targets may be selected based on theascertained objects or surfaces. For example, in some cases, targetregions may be identified based on the relatively high number of objectsor surfaces in the region. In other embodiments, a target region may beidentified based on one or more high priority objects and/or surfacesbeing in the region. Similarly, a target location, object or surface maybe identified based the prioritization of locations, objects and/orsurfaces within the room. In some cases, identifying a target location,region, object or surface may include identifying subsets of multiplelocations, regions, objects or surfaces respectively arranged invicinity of each disinfection source and designating a location, region,object or surface within each subset as a target. The designationprocess may be based on a number of different qualifiers, including butnot limited to prioritization of the locations, regions, objects orsurfaces and/or distance from each disinfection source.

There are a number of manners in which to craft a database and/or analgorithm for determining operating parameter/s for one or moredisinfection sources. Some example manners are denoted in blocks 184 and186 in FIG. 11. In particular, block 184 specifies tailoring the one ormore individual operating parameters to primarily disinfect surfaces offurniture and/or equipment within the room versus surfaces of the floor,walls and ceiling of the room. In some of such cases, the process mayfurther include determining one or more secondary operating parametersto primarily disinfect the floor, walls and/or ceiling of the room afterthe furniture and/or the equipment have been disinfected for a presetamount of time. In general, furniture and equipment within a room have ahigher probability of having germs versus floors, walls and ceiling ofthe room and, thus, it may be advantageous to tailor a disinfectionprocess to primarily disinfect those surfaces. In particular, invokingsuch precedence to a disinfection schedule may instigate a shorterand/or more efficient disinfection process or at least increase thelikelihood that an adequate amount of disinfection has occurred if adisinfection process is terminated early.

As noted above, the region between approximately 2 feet andapproximately 4 feet from a floor of a room is considered a “high touch”region of a room since objects of frequent use are generally placed insuch a region. Due to such a region being considered a high touch zone,it is generally considered the area of highest probability to come incontact with germs and some studies indicate that the high touch zonemay be the area having the highest concentration of germs. For suchreasons, it may be advantageous to tailor one or more individualoperating parameters to primarily disinfect surfaces of furniture and/orequipment which are in a region of a room between approximately 2 feetand approximately 4 feet from a floor of the room. In addition oralternatively, it may be advantageous to tailor one or more individualoperating parameters among different furniture and/or equipment or evenamong different components of furniture and/or equipment. For example, acabinet handle may warrant a higher and/or longer dosing of a germicidalagent versus a vertical face of a cabinet. Several other precedentsamong furniture, equipment and components may be considered as well fortailoring the operating parameters of disinfection sources, depending onthe disinfection needs of the room being treated.

As shown in block 186 in FIG. 11, the process of block 180 may, in someembodiments, include tailoring the one or more individual operatingparameters to primarily disinfect surfaces having the highest priorityrankings, which may have been assigned in reference to block 176 or mayhave been preassigned to locations, regions, objects and/or surfaceswithin a room. Similar to the process of block 184, the process of block186 invoking such precedence to a disinfection schedule may instigate ashorter and/or more efficient disinfection process or at least increasethe likelihood that an adequate amount of disinfection has occurred if adisinfection process is terminated early. In some of such cases, themethod may include determining one or more secondary operatingparameters to primarily disinfect the surfaces having a lower priorityranking after surfaces having the highest priority ranking have beendisinfected for a preset amount of time. Blocks 184 and 186 are outlinedwith dotted lines in FIG. 11 denoting that they are optional. Inparticular, many other manners may be used to tailor one or moreoperating parameters of one of more disinfection sources based on roomcharacteristic data and, thus, the scope of the disclosure providedherein should not necessarily be limited to the depiction of FIG. 11.

As further shown in FIG. 11, the process may optionally include block182 for determining a schedule of individual operating parameters forone or more disinfection sources. In such a context, the term “schedule”refers to a series of operating parameter designations to be performedin succession for one or more disinfection sources. As discussed inreference to the options for performing the process of block 180,determining a schedule of operating parameters may be based on primarilydisinfecting furniture and equipment in a room and/or may be based onpreassigned prioritization of locations, regions, object and/or surfaceswithin a room. Other manners may be used to tailor the schedule as well.

Regardless of the manner in which operating parameter/s of the one ormore disinfection sources are determined, the process of FIG. 11 may, insome embodiments, include block 188 to send information to the one ormore disinfection sources in accordance with the one or more individualoperating parameters. The information may include individual run time/sfor the disinfection source/s, a command to set or adjust individualrates of germicidal discharge from the disinfection source/s, and/or acommon amount of power at which to operate the disinfection source/s. Inyet other embodiments, individually specified amounts of power may besent to disinfection sources in accordance with the determinationprocess conducted in reference to block 180. In cases in which thedisinfection source includes a pulsed germicidal source, such as aflashlamp for example, operating parameters affecting rates ofgermicidal discharge for the disinfection source may include pulseduration and/or pulse frequency. Furthermore, in embodiments in whichthe germicidal source is a flashlamp, power supplied to the flashlampmay be referred to as “pulse intensity” or “intensity of the lamp”. Insome cases, the information sent to the disinfection source's may be aposition at which to place the disinfection source within the roomand/or orientation/s of component/s comprising the disinfectionsource/s. In such cases, the disinfection device/s comprising thedisinfection source/s may be configured to move and/or they may be ableto move one or more of their components such that they may comply withthe received information. Alternatively, the one or more operatingparameters determined at block 180 may be displayed on a user interfaceand a user of the germicidal system may invoke the one or more operatingparameters.

Embodiments of the method outlined in FIG. 11 which are considered tohave particular application for room disinfection are set forth indetail below. Although such embodiments are described in detail andfurther enhancements are considered for them, the specific disclosure ofsuch embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure set forth above in relation to FIG. 11.

A system which is considered to have particular application for roomdisinfection includes a disinfection source as well as a processingsubsystem comprising a processor and program instructions which areexecutable by the processor for receiving data regarding physicalattributes of a room in which the disinfection source is arranged. Suchprogram instruction may be for accessing a database comprising the dataand/or receiving data from one or more sensors of the system whichgenerate the data. In either case, the processing subsystem includesprogram instructions executable by the processor for determining, basedon the received data, a location within the room to position thedisinfection source and/or an orientation of a component comprising thedisinfection source. In some cases, the program instructions are furtherfor determining, based on the data, a schedule of locations within theroom to position the disinfection source and/or a schedule oforientations of one or more components comprising the disinfectionsource. In some embodiments, the disinfection source may be one of aplurality disinfection sources comprising the system. In such cases, theprogram instructions of the system may be executable by a processor fordetermining locations within the room to position each of the pluralityof disinfection sources and/or determining orientations of one or morecomponents of each of the plurality of disinfection sources.

The disinfection source/s in the aforementioned system may include aliquid, gas, vapor, plasma, ultraviolet light, and/or high-intensitynarrow-spectrum (HINS) light disinfection source/s. In addition, the oneor more component/s of the disinfection source/s which may be adjustedmay include any moveable component of the disinfection source/s.Examples of moveable components of a light based disinfection source mayinclude but are not limited to an optical filter comprising thedisinfection source or any component of a reflector system or a lenssystem comprising the disinfection source, such as those described forthe ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses shown in FIGS. 1-9. In someembodiments, a disinfection source may be configured to move relative toa device or apparatus comprising the disinfection source/s. An exampleof a possible configuration for a moveable disinfection source may besimilar to a moveable spotlight having 180 degree movement capability oreven up to nearly 360 degree movement capability. Other configurationsof moveable disinfection sources may be considered. For example, adisinfection source may be configured to move along a track in somecases. In other embodiments, an entire device or apparatus comprising adisinfection source may be configured to move, particularly to adifferent location within a room.

In any case, in embodiments in which the disinfection source isconfigured to move itself and/or move one or more of its components, theprocessing subsystem may further include program instructions which areexecutable by a processor for sending information to the disinfectionsource to position itself to the determined location and/or arrange thecomponent in the determined orientation. In yet other embodiments, thedetermined location and/or the determined component orientation may bedisplayed on a user interface and a user of the germicidal system mayinvoke the one or more operating parameters. In any case, a disinfectionsource which is considered to be particularly suitable for theaforementioned method is an ultraviolet light disinfection source havinga repositionable reflector. The disclosure of such, however, should notbe construed in any way to necessary limit the scope of the systemsand/or methods described herein. In any case, the aforementioned systemmay have any of the configurations noted above in reference to FIGS. 10and 11. As such, the system is not necessarily limited to receiving dataregarding physical attributes of a room. In particular, the system maybe configured to receive nonphysical attributes of a room as well.Furthermore, the system may include program instructions for determiningany operating parameter of a disinfection source based oncharacteristics of a room. In particular, the aforementioned system isnot necessarily limited to determining a location within the room toposition a disinfection source and/or an orientation of a componentcomprising the disinfection source.

Another system which is considered to have particular application forroom disinfection includes multiple disinfection sources and aprocessing subsystem comprising one or more processors and programinstructions executable by the one or more processors for receiving dataregarding the characteristics of a room in which the multipledisinfection sources are arranged. In addition, the program instructionsare for determining, based on the data, one or more individual operatingparameters for the multiple disinfection sources. In particular, the oneor more individual operating parameters are specific for each of thedisinfection sources. The one or more individual operating parametersmay include run times of the disinfection sources, positions or speed ofthe disinfection sources within the room, orientation of componentscomprising the disinfection sources, rates of germicidal discharge fromthe disinfection sources and/or power supplied to the disinfectionsources. In cases in which the disinfection sources include pulsedgermicidal sources, such as a flashlamps for example, rates ofgermicidal discharge for the disinfection sources may include pulseduration and/or pulse frequency. Furthermore, in embodiments in whichthe germicidal sources include flashlamps, power supplied to theflashlamps may be referred to as “pulse intensity” or “intensity of thelamps”. In some cases, the program instructions are further fordetermining, based on the data, a schedule of individual operatingparameters for each of the multiple disinfection sources based oncharacteristics of the room. In general, the multiple disinfectionsources may include liquid, gas, vapor, plasma, ultraviolet light,and/or high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light disinfection sources.The multiple disinfection sources may include the same type ofdisinfection source or may include a combination of disinfection sourcesat least some of which are different from each other. Furthermore, theaforementioned system may have any of the configurations noted above inreference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

A germicidal system which is considered to be particularly suitable forthe aforementioned system is a light disinfection system having aplurality of light disinfection sources and further a power distributionmeans for distributing individual power requirements to each of thelight disinfection sources as determined by the processing subsystem.Alternative to the power distribution means, each of the disinfectionsources may include a power control circuit. In such cases, theprocessing subsystem may include processor-executable programinstructions to send independent signals to the power control circuitsto set the amount of power used to generate the light for eachdisinfection source. In either case, the different light disinfectionsources may be distributed among different apparatuses, may be disposedon the same apparatus, or may be a combination thereof. Although theaforementioned light disinfection system is considered to beparticularly suitable for room disinfection in which multipledisinfection sources are used, the disclosure of such should not beconstrued in any way to necessary limit the scope of the systems and/ormethods described herein. In particular, it is asserted that other typeof germicidal disinfection sources may be used in a similar systemand/or a system may be configured with varied operating parameters otherthan power.

As set forth in more detail below in reference to FIG. 12, systems may,in some embodiments, be configured to have disinfection sources work incollaboration with each other, particularly regarding locations,regions, objects and/or surfaces the disinfection sources are targetedto disinfect. In some cases, the collaboration effort may involvedistinct apparatuses communicating with each other. In particular,systems which include disinfection sources disposed on distinctapparatuses may be configured such that at least some of the apparatusescommunicate with each other, particularly regarding theirpresence/location relative to each other and/or a location, region,object or surface their disinfection source/s are targeted to disinfect.More specifically, in some cases, the apparatuses may be configured todetect each other via a sensing system, such as but not limited toultrasonic sensing or infrared sensing. In other embodiments, at leastone apparatus may include a processor and program instructionsexecutable by the processor for sending information regarding itslocation or a target location, region, object or surface of itsdisinfection source. As such, germicidal apparatuses of the systemsdescribed herein may be configured to know or be able to ascertain thepresence or locations of other germicidal apparatuses in a room.

In cases in which an apparatus is configured to send informationregarding the target location, region, object or surface of itsdisinfection source, another apparatus may include a processor andprocessor executable program instructions for receiving the informationand comparing the received information with a target location, region,object or surface of its disinfection source. In addition oralternatively, however, the collaboration effort may involve comparingdata at a central processing unit regarding targeted locations, regions,objects or surfaces of a plurality of disinfection sources. In eitherscenario, the systems may be configured to execute one or morecorrection actions upon detecting two or more locations, objects orsurfaces are within a predetermined distance from each other or upondetecting two or more regions overlap as described in more detail belowin reference to FIG. 12. In addition, the system may be configured torecord areas which have been disinfected by the apparatuses during acourse of a disinfection process such that those areas are deprioritizedor not considered for disinfection for later stages of the disinfectionprocess.

Turning to FIG. 12, a flowchart is shown outlining a method for whichthe processor-executable program instructions of the system depicted inFIG. 10 may be configured to perform. In particular, FIG. 12 outlines amethod for collaborating information regarding targeted locations,regions, objects or surfaces of multiple disinfection sources andexecuting changes to the targeted locations, regions, objects orsurfaces and/or to operating parameters of one or more of thedisinfection sources upon detecting two or more locations, objects orsurfaces are within a predetermined distance from each other or upondetecting two or more regions overlap. As shown in blocks 190 and 192 inFIG. 12, the method includes discerning, for each of a plurality ofdisinfection sources, a target location, region, object or surfacewithin a room in which the plurality of disinfection sources arearranged. It is noted that the term “discerning” as used herein isinclusive to determining/identifying targeted locations, regions,objects or surfaces based on room characteristic data as described inreference to block 178 in FIG. 11, but is also inclusive to receivingthe targeted locations, regions, objects or surfaces, such as by userinput, barcode scanning, or accessing a database. In any case, at blocks194 and 196, determinations are made whether two or more targetlocations, object or surfaces are within a predetermined distance fromeach other or whether two or more target regions overlap. Thepredetermined distance may be of any predetermined value and, in somecases, may be a threshold to indicate whether the target locations,objects, and surfaces are the same.

In cases in which the determination at block 194 or block 196 is “no”,the method is directed to block 198 to continue preparation of thesystem for a disinfection process based on the target locations,regions, objects or surfaces identified for the disinfection sources. Insome cases, the process of block 198 may include determining one or moreindividual operating parameters for each of the disinfection sources,such as described in reference to FIG. 11. In alternative embodiments,however, such a process may have been conducted prior to blocks 194 and196. In some cases, the process of block 198 may include sendinginformation to the disinfection sources in accordance with theindividual operating parameters determined for each of the disinfectionsources such as described in reference to block 188 in FIG. 11. Inalternative embodiments, the process of block 198 may include one ormore operating parameters being displayed on a user interface and a userof the germicidal system may invoke the one or more operatingparameters.

In cases in which the determination at block 194 or block 196 is “yes”,the method continues to block 200 to execute one or more correctiveactions, particularly to change a planned disinfection process of atleast one of the multiple disinfection sources. Blocks 202 and 204 areprovided to offer examples of corrective actions which may be conducted,but other corrective actions may be considered. It is noted that blocks202 and 204 may be both be performed for block 200 or just one of blocks202 and 204 may be performed for block 200. As shown in block 202, onecorrective action may be to identify a different target location,region, object or surface for at least one of the disinfection sourcescorresponding to the two or more detected target locations, regions,objects, and/or surfaces.

Another corrective action may be to alter an operating parameter of atleast one of the disinfection sources corresponding to the two or moredetected target locations, regions, objects, and/or surfaces as denotedin block 204. In such cases, the altered operating parameter may be arun time of the disinfection source, a position of the disinfectionsource within the room, an orientation of a component comprising thedisinfection source, a rate of germicidal discharge from thedisinfection source, and/or power supplied to the disinfection source.In cases in which the disinfection source includes a pulsed germicidalsource, such as a flashlamp for example, operating parameter affectingrates of germicidal discharge for the disinfection source may includepulse duration and/or pulse frequency. Furthermore, in embodiments inwhich the germicidal source is a flashlamp, power supplied to theflashlamp may be referred to as “pulse intensity” or “intensity of thelamp”. In some cases, operating parameters predetermined for thedisinfection sources corresponding to two or more detected targetlocations, regions, objects, and/or surfaces may be compared prior toexecuting one or more corrective actions at block 200. In particular, incases in which the determination at block 194 or block 196 is “yes”,operating parameters predetermined for the disinfection sources may becompared and the comparison may factor in on the one or more correctiveactions conducted in reference to block 200.

It is noted that although the processor-executable program instructionsoutlined in FIGS. 11 and 12 are described as being part a systemincluding one or more disinfection sources, the processor-executableprogram instructions are not necessarily so restricted. In particular,the processor-executable program instructions outlined in FIGS. 11 and12 may be disposed on a storage medium which is distinct and notnecessarily associated with a particular germicidal system. Morespecifically, processor-executable program instructions outlined inFIGS. 11 and 12 may be distributed as software on a commercially viablestorage medium for incorporation with one or more germicidal systems. Ingeneral, the term “storage medium”, as used herein, may refer to anyelectronic medium configured to hold one or more set of programinstructions, such as but not limited to a read-only memory, a randomaccess memory, a magnetic or optical disk, or magnetic tape.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure that germicidal lamp apparatuses are provided having oneor more reflectors and/or one or more lenses for redirecting lightemitted from the germicidal lamp. In addition systems are describedwhich determine operating parameters and/or disinfection schedules forgermicidal devices. In particular, the described systems are configuredto work in a “smart” fashion (i.e., taking into consideration one ormore characteristics of a room to determine operating parameters and/ordisinfection schedules for germicidal devices). In some cases, thesystems may be configured to optimize a disinfection process (e.g.,time, efficiency, and thoroughness) for a room. Further modificationsand alternative embodiments of various aspects of the apparatuses,systems and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art in viewof this description. For example, although the aforementioneddiscussions emphasize the configuration of ultraviolet discharge lampapparatuses for disinfection purposes, the scope of this disclosure isnot so limited. In particular, the ultraviolet discharge lampapparatuses described herein may be used for any application utilizingultraviolet light. In addition, the systems and processes describedherein for determining operating parameters and disinfection schedulesmay be suitable for any germicidal system. Accordingly, this descriptionis to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose ofteaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out theinvention.

It is to be understood that the forms of the apparatuses, systems andmethods shown and described herein are to be taken as the presentlypreferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted forthose illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may bereversed, and certain features of the apparatuses, systems and methodsmay be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilledin the art after having the benefit of this disclosure. Changes may bemade in the elements described herein without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: multiple disinfectionapparatuses each comprising at least one discharge lamp that isconfigured to emit ultraviolet light and a set of one or more sensorsthat are configured for detecting characteristics of an ambient exteriorto its respective disinfection apparatus, wherein the multipledisinfection apparatuses are discrete devices unattached to each other,and wherein the characteristics detectable by the one or more sensorscomprise: size and/or dimensions of a room in which the multipledisinfection apparatuses are arranged; a number, size, distance,location, reflectivity and/or identification of one or more surfacesand/or one or more objects within the room; and/or a number,concentration and/or identification of pathogens in the room, in aparticular region of the room, or on a particular surface in the room;and a processing subsystem comprising one or more processors and programinstructions executable by the one or more processors for: receiving,from each set of one or more sensors of the multiple disinfectionapparatuses, data regarding one or more detected characteristics of oneor more areas in a room in relation to its disinfection apparatus; basedon the received data, determining one or more operating parameters foreach of the multiple disinfection apparatuses that are individual toeach of the multiple disinfection apparatuses; and subsequent todetermining the one or more operating parameters, activating operationof the multiple disinfection apparatuses and sending one or morecommands to one or more means within each of the multiple disinfectionapparatuses to automatically invoke the one or more operatingparameters.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the program instructionsare further for activating the multiple disinfection apparatuses at thesame time.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more operatingparameters comprise run times for the multiple disinfection apparatuses,positions of the multiple disinfection apparatuses within the room,orientation of components comprising the multiple disinfectionapparatuses, rates of germicidal discharge from the multipledisinfection apparatuses and/or power supplied to the multipledisinfection apparatuses.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the programinstructions for determining one or more operating parameters for themultiple disinfection apparatuses comprise program instructions for:identifying, based on the received data, a target location, region,surface or object within the room for each of the multiple disinfectionapparatuses; and determining, for each of the multiple disinfectionapparatuses, one or more individual operating parameters which arespecific to disinfecting their target location, region, surface orobject.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the multipledisinfection apparatuses further comprise a reflector arranged toredirect light emitted from the lamp into an ambient of its respectivedisinfection apparatus and a means for providing movement of thereflector, and wherein the one or more operating parameters comprisemovement characteristics of the reflectors of the multiple disinfectionapparatuses during operation of the multiple disinfection apparatuses.6. The system of claim 5, wherein the movement characteristics of thereflectors comprise continuous movement, periodic movement and/or timingof the movement of the reflectors.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein thedischarge lamp of each of the multiple disinfection apparatuses is anelongated discharge lamp, wherein the reflector of each of the multipledisinfection apparatuses is an elongated rotatable reflector disposedalong a side of the discharge lamp.
 8. The system of claim 7, whereinthe elongated discharge lamp and the elongated rotatable reflector ofeach of the multiple disinfection apparatuses are configured such thatlight emitted from the elongated discharge lamp during operation of therespective disinfection apparatus may collectively occupy an entirety ofa region encircling the respective disinfection apparatus.
 9. The systemof claim 7, wherein the movement characteristics of the elongatedrotatable reflectors comprise oscillating the elongated rotatablereflectors and/or rotating the elongated rotatable reflectors at least afull revolution.
 10. A system, comprising: multiple disinfectionapparatuses each comprising at least one discharge lamp that isconfigured to emit ultraviolet light and a set of one or more sensorsthat are configured for detecting physical characteristics of an ambientexterior to its respective disinfection apparatus, wherein the multipledisinfection apparatuses are discrete devices unattached to each other,and wherein the physical characteristics comprise: size of a room inwhich the multiple disinfection apparatuses are arranged; and/or anumber, size and/or distance of one or more objects within the room; anda processing subsystem comprising one or more processors and programinstructions executable by the one or more processors for: receiving,from each set of one or more sensors of the multiple disinfectionapparatuses, data regarding physical characteristics of one or moreareas in the room in relation to its disinfection apparatus; based onthe received data, determining one or more operating parameters for eachof the multiple disinfection apparatuses that are individual to each ofthe multiple disinfection apparatuses; and subsequent to determining theone or more operating parameters, sending one or more commands to one ormore means within each of the multiple disinfection apparatuses toautomatically invoke the one or more operating parameters.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the one or more operating parameterscomprise run times for the multiple disinfection apparatuses, positionsof the multiple disinfection apparatuses within the room, orientation ofcomponents comprising the multiple disinfection apparatuses, rates ofgermicidal discharge from the multiple disinfection apparatuses and/orpower supplied to the multiple disinfection apparatuses.
 12. The systemof claim 10, wherein the program instructions are further activatingoperation of the multiple disinfection apparatuses subsequent todetermining the one or more operating parameters.
 13. The system ofclaim 10, wherein each of the multiple disinfection apparatuses furthercomprise a reflector arranged to redirect light emitted from the lampinto an ambient of its respective disinfection apparatus and a means forproviding movement of the reflector, and wherein the one or moreoperating parameters comprise movement characteristics of the reflectorsof the multiple disinfection apparatuses during operation of themultiple disinfection apparatuses.
 14. The system of claim 13, whereinthe discharge lamp of each of the multiple disinfection apparatuses isan elongated discharge lamp, wherein the reflector of each of themultiple disinfection apparatuses is an elongated rotatable reflectordisposed along a side of the discharge lamp.
 15. A system, comprising:multiple disinfection apparatuses each comprising at least one dischargelamp that is configured to emit ultraviolet light and a set of one ormore sensors configured to map at least a portion room in relation toits respective disinfection apparatus, wherein the multiple disinfectionapparatuses are discrete devices unattached to each other; and aprocessing subsystem comprising one or more processors and programinstructions executable by the one or more processors for: receivingmapping data from each set of one or more sensors; based on the receivedmapping data, determining one or more operating parameters for each ofthe multiple disinfection apparatuses that are individual to each of themultiple disinfection apparatuses; and subsequent to determining the oneor more operating parameters, sending one or more commands to one ormore means within each of the multiple disinfection apparatuses toautomatically invoke the one or more operating parameters.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the one or more operating parameterscomprise run times for the multiple disinfection apparatuses, positionsof the multiple disinfection apparatuses within the room, orientation ofcomponents comprising the multiple disinfection apparatuses, rates ofgermicidal discharge from the multiple disinfection apparatuses and/orpower supplied to the multiple disinfection apparatuses.
 17. The systemof claim 15, wherein the program instructions are further activatingoperation of the multiple disinfection apparatuses subsequent todetermining the one or more operating parameters.
 18. The system ofclaim 15, wherein each of the multiple disinfection apparatuses furthercomprise a reflector arranged to redirect light emitted from the lampinto an ambient of its respective disinfection apparatus and a means forproviding movement of the reflector, and wherein the one or moreoperating parameters comprise movement characteristics of the reflectorsof the multiple disinfection apparatuses during operation of themultiple disinfection apparatuses.
 19. The system of claim 18, whereinthe discharge lamp of each of the multiple disinfection apparatuses isan elongated discharge lamp, wherein the reflector of each of themultiple disinfection apparatuses is an elongated rotatable reflectordisposed along a side of the discharge lamp.
 20. The system of claim 13,wherein the movement characteristics of the reflectors comprisecontinuous movement, periodic movement and/or timing of the movement ofthe reflectors.
 21. The system of claim 14, wherein the elongateddischarge lamp and the elongated rotatable reflector of each of themultiple disinfection apparatuses are configured such that light emittedfrom the elongated discharge lamp during operation of the respectivedisinfection apparatus may collectively occupy an entirety of a regionencircling the respective disinfection apparatus.
 22. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the movement characteristics of the elongatedrotatable reflectors comprise oscillating the elongated rotatablereflectors and/or rotating the elongated rotatable reflectors at least afull revolution.